necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs 

ne-

plural necroses nə-ˈkrō-ˌsēz 

ne-

: usually localized death of living tissue

Did you know?

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

This blockage can restrict blood flow to organs, resulting in tissue necrosis. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 1 May 2025

So, Takeuchi and his team had to find their way around the necrosis problem. —Ars Technica, 15 Mar. 2025

Her right leg was amputated below the knee because her shoe had become glued to her foot from the heat, developing necrosis, a type of cell death. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025

But that loss of blood to limbs can lead to necrosis, or rotting, of the flesh. —Christopher O'Donnell, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2025

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

Phrases Containing necrosis

• avascular necrosis
• phloem necrosis
• tumor necrosis factor

Rhymes for necrosis

• cirrhosis
• fibrosis
• gliosis
• hypnosis
• ichthyosis
• ketosis
• kurtosis
• lordosis
• meiosis
• miosis
• mitosis
• mycosis

Medical Definition

necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs, ne- 

plural necroses -ˌsēz 

: 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