keratosis

noun

ker·​a·​to·​sis ˌker-ə-ˈtō-səs 

plural keratoses ˌker-ə-ˈtō-ˌsēz 

: an area of skin marked by overgrowth of horny tissue

keratotic

ˌker-ə-ˈtä-tik 

adjective

Examples of keratosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Along with those barrier-supporting ceramides, it’s formulated with salicylic acid to unclog pores, improve natural cell turnover, and minimize the appearance of keratosis pilaris. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 16 Aug. 2025

However, these blemishes are often a skin condition other than acne, such as folliculitis, boils, contact dermatitis, or keratosis pilaris. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Aug. 2025

Still, those bothered by rough, bumpy areas of keratosis pilaris — a harmless buildup of keratin typically found on the arms and legs — may find some benefit from light exfoliation in the shower, Lamb said. —Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 17 July 2025

The best keratosis pilaris treatment products, at a glance This one ranked best overall for its elite combination of chemical and physical exfoliants (pumice puffing beads) that leave the skin exceptionally smooth and bright. —Talia Abbas, Glamour, 23 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Keratose, from Greek kerat-, kéras "horn" + German -ose -osis — more at kerato-

Note: The term was promulgated, if not introduced, by the German physician Hermann Lebert (1813-78) in Ueber Keratose, oder die durch Bildung von Hornsubstanz erzeugten Krankheiten und ihre Behandlung, Breslau, 1864.

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for keratosis

• acanthosis
• acidosis
• alkalosis
• amaurosis
• ankylosis
• asbestosis
• brucellosis
• cyanosis
• dermatosis
• diagnosis
• ecchymosis
• exostosis

Medical Definition

keratosis

noun

ker·​a·​to·​sis ˌker-ə-ˈtō-səs 

plural keratoses -ˌsēz 

1

: a disease of the skin marked by overgrowth of horny tissue

2

: an area of the skin affected with keratosis

keratotic

-ˈtät-ik 

adjective