anisocoria: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “anisocoria” mean?
A medical condition where the pupils of the eyes are unequal in size.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical condition where the pupils of the eyes are unequal in size.
A neurological or ophthalmological sign indicating asymmetry in pupil diameter, which can be physiological or pathological.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Purely clinical/medical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to medical professionals.
Grammar
How to Use “anisocoria” in a Sentence
The patient has anisocoria.Anisocoria was noted on examination.Anisocoria may indicate neurological involvement.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anisocoria” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The anisocoric pupil was more noticeable in dim light.
- An anisocoric response was documented.
American English
- The anisocoric pupil was more noticeable in low light.
- An anisocoric response was recorded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and neuroscience literature.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in clinical examinations, neurology, ophthalmology reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anisocoria”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anisocoria”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anisocoria”
- Misspelling as 'anisocorea' or 'anisochoria'.
- Using in non-medical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, physiological anisocoria (usually <1mm difference) is common and benign. However, new or pronounced anisocoria can indicate serious neurological issues.
Treatment addresses the underlying cause (e.g., infection, aneurysm, nerve damage), not the anisocoria itself, which is a symptom.
It is typically identified by ophthalmologists, neurologists, optometrists, or emergency medicine physicians.
No. 'Lazy eye' (amblyopia) refers to reduced vision, while anisocoria refers only to a difference in pupil size.
A medical condition where the pupils of the eyes are unequal in size.
Anisocoria is usually technical/medical in register.
Anisocoria: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.ɪ.səʊˈkɔː.ri.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.ɪ.soʊˈkɔːr.i.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AN ISO CORIA → A-NOT-EQUAL (aniso) PUPIL (coria, from Greek 'korē' meaning pupil).
Conceptual Metaphor
A WARNING SIGN (metaphor for underlying neurological issue).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'anisocoria' specifically refer to?