psoriasis

noun

pso·​ri·​a·​sis sə-ˈrī-ə-səs 

: a chronic skin disease characterized by circumscribed red patches covered with white scales

psoriatic

ˌsȯr-ē-ˈa-tik 

adjective or noun

Examples of psoriasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The authors noted that skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis can appear in the perianal region, where bidet use may help. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Scalp Around half of people with psoriasis have symptoms affecting their scalp, such as silvery-white scaly patches, itching, and pain. — Ruth Jessen Hickman, HEALTH, 25 Aug. 2026

The biopsy came back as psoriasis, finally giving Plotkin the right answer after years of being treated for the wrong conditions. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

My physical health is also deteriorating because of so much stress — stomach issues, weight loss, psoriasis. — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek psōriasis, from psōrian to have the itch, from psōra itch; akin to Greek psēn to rub

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for psoriasis

• amebiasis
• candidiasis
• cholelithiasis
• filariasis
• mydriasis
• pityriasis
• archdiocese
• elephantiasis
• nephrolithiasis
• schistosomiasis
• urolithiasis
• trypanosomiasis

Kids Definition

psoriasis

noun

pso·​ri·​a·​sis sə-ˈrī-ə-səs 

: a skin disease characterized by red patches often covered with white scales

Medical Definition

psoriasis

noun

pso·​ri·​a·​sis sə-ˈrī-ə-səs 

plural psoriases -ˌsēz 

: a chronic skin disease characterized by circumscribed red patches covered with white scales