necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs How to pronounce necrosis (audio)
ne-
plural necroses nə-ˈkrō-ˌsēz How to pronounce necrosis (audio)
ne-
: usually localized death of living tissue

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Cells die naturally after a period of time, but may also die as a result of injuries, infections, or disease. Burns produce necrosis, and the bedsores experienced by immobile or bedridden patients are a form of necrosis. The dreaded condition known as gangrene, in which the dying tissue turns black or green, is another form. When untreated, the dying cells release substances that lead to the death of surrounding cells, so untreated necrosis can lead to death. Treatment usually requires the removal of the necrotic tissue, and in severe cases can even involve amputating a limb.

Examples of necrosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Viper venoms are often dominated by toxins known as metalloproteinases, which are a diverse group of tissue-destroying proteins whose effects range from hemorrhaging edema, inflammation, hypotension to necrosis. Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 In an Instagram Story viewed by PEOPLE on Friday, Locken said that the necrosis from the flesh-eating bacteria is what caused her implants to rupture. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2024 Gangrenous necrosis is categorized as wet, dry, or gas.3 Patterns of Necrosis Coagulative Necrosis Coagulative necrosis refers to a specific appearance that necrosis can have. Cara Beth Lee, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2024 This blockage can restrict blood flow to organs, resulting in tissue necrosis. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 4 Dec. 2023 However, the drug is also associated with severe soft-tissue wounds and necrosis – sometimes described as rotting skin – that can lead to amputation. Nadia Kounang, CNN, 28 Mar. 2023 Tranq also causes severe wounds including necrosis: the rotting of tissue. Rachel Wisniewski, STAT, 7 Sep. 2023 Commonly used as a veterinary sedative, xylazine can cause injection site wounds that lead to necrosis or amputation. Edward Sisco, Scientific American, 22 Aug. 2023 The severe risks that both doctors warn about is necrosis, which happens when filler is accidentally injected into an artery. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 14 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'necrosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek nekrōsis, from nekroun to make dead, from nekros dead body

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of necrosis was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near necrosis

Cite this Entry

“Necrosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/necrosis. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

necrosis

noun
ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs, ne- How to pronounce necrosis (audio)
plural necroses -ˌsēz How to pronounce necrosis (audio)
: death of living tissue
specifically : death of a portion of tissue differentially affected by local injury (as loss of blood supply, corrosion, burning, or the local lesion of a disease) compare necrobiosis

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