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

These symptoms could be a sign of contact dermatitis, which is often caused by being allergic to ingredients in hair products, or even a scalp condition like psoriasis. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026

The company is known for medications including Humira, which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other conditions, as well as the drugs Skyrizi, which treats plaque psoriasis, and Rinvoq for rheumatoid arthritis. —Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026

Exfoliating bars can be too abrasive on sensitive skin or those who struggle with eczema or psoriasis. —Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026

This reduces the overactive immune response that causes psoriasis. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 6 Jan. 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

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

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