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

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

This is strong enough to handle more than KP, though—it was also designed to treat psoriasis. — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026

Get to know six surprising factors that may contribute to a psoriasis flare. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Traditional narrow-band UVB devices used in dermatology clinics for psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo operate at different wavelengths and doses and remain prescription-only. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 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