acantholysis

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Word: Acantholysis

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Acantholysis refers to the breakdown or loss of connections between certain skin cells in the outer layer of the skin, which can lead to skin diseases. It is often seen in conditions like pemphigus, where blisters form on the skin due to this breakdown.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You would typically use "acantholysis" in medical or scientific contexts, especially when discussing skin conditions or dermatology.
• Example Sentence: "The doctor explained that the patient's blisters were caused by acantholysis, a breakdown of the skin's cell connections."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced medical discussions, you might encounter "acantholysis" in relation to specific diseases or treatments. For instance, you might say, "The histological examination revealed acantholysis, confirming the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris."

Word Variants:

• Acantholytic (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by acantholysis.
  • Example: "The acantholytic features observed in the patient's skin biopsy were indicative of a severe autoimmune condition."

Different Meanings:

"Acantholysis" is a specific medical term and does not have multiple meanings outside of dermatology. It is primarily used in a clinical context.

Synonyms:

There are no direct synonyms for "acantholysis" as it is a specific medical term. However, related terms in the context of skin conditions include: - "Cell detachment" - "Skin blistering"

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "acantholysis" since it is a technical term used primarily in medical contexts.

Summary:

In summary, "acantholysis" describes a specific medical condition where skin cells lose their connections, often leading to blisters and other skin issues.

Academic

Noun

1. a breakdown of a cell layer in the epidermis (as in pemphigus)