neurofibromatosis

noun

neu·​ro·​fi·​bro·​ma·​to·​sis ˌnu̇r-ō-(ˌ)fī-ˌbrō-mə-ˈtō-səs 

ˌnyu̇r-

: a disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant and characterized especially by brown spots on the skin, neurofibromas of peripheral nerves, and deformities of subcutaneous tissue and bone

Examples of neurofibromatosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The run raises awareness of neurofibromatosis (NF) and fundraises for research through the Children's Tumor Foundation. —The Enquirer, 18 Feb. 2024

In May, Detroit businessman Dan Gilbert’s son, Nick, died after a long bout with neurofibromatosis, and several Detroit buildings lit up in green and blue, the colors of the ribbon that represents the campaign aimed at curing the disease. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 25 Jan. 2024

An entire floor would be occupied by the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, where medical research would happen on neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that led to Gilbert's death last year at age 26. —Detroit Free Press, 19 Feb. 2024

The 57-year-old has a rare form of neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes growths to spread all over her nervous system. —Eileen Finan, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024

Soon after, a neurosurgeon diagnosed her with neurofibromatosis. —Eileen Finan, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024

Sebastian Stan plays Edward, an actor with the genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis, visualized here by large, fleshy facial prosthetics. —Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2024

Pearson was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a rare genetic condition that leaves his skin covered in thousands of thick, painful tumors. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 22 Jan. 2024

Tumors caused by neurofibromatosis are most often benign but can become malignant, or cancerous, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 8 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

neurofibromat-, Greco-Latin stem of neurofibroma + -osis

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

neurofibromatosis

noun

neu·​ro·​fi·​bro·​ma·​to·​sis -fī-ˌbrō-mə-ˈtō-səs 

plural neurofibromatoses -ˌsēz 

1

also neurofibromatosis type 1 or neurofibromatosis 1 : an inherited developmental disorder characterized especially by brown spots on the skin that are typically present at birth, neurofibromas of peripheral nerves, and deformities of subcutaneous tissues and bone

—abbreviation NF, NF-1

called also Recklinghausen's disease, von Recklinghausen's disease

2

also neurofibromatosis type 2 or neurofibromatosis 2 : an inherited disorder characterized by bilateral acoustic neuromas developing in childhood or early adulthood that are typically accompanied by other nonmalignant tumors of the central nervous system

—abbreviation NF, NF-2

Note: Both types of neurofibromatosis are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait requiring that one parent pass on a copy of the defective gene on a chromosome other than a sex chromosome. Type 1 is much more common than type 2.