chromhidrosis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “chromhidrosis” mean?
A rare condition characterised by the secretion of coloured, often blue, green, black, or red, sweat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare condition characterised by the secretion of coloured, often blue, green, black, or red, sweat.
A dermatological or medical disorder where apocrine or eccrine sweat glands produce pigmented sweat, potentially indicating other underlying conditions or exposure to certain substances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or meaning. It is an international medical term.
Connotations
Purely clinical. No cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both British and American English medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chromhidrosis” in a Sentence
Patient X presents with chromhidrosis.The chromhidrosis was localised to the face.Chromhidrosis is associated with pigment-producing bacteria.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chromhidrosis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chromhidrotic secretions were examined under a microscope.
American English
- The chromhidrotic condition required further testing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and dermatological research papers, case reports, and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used by dermatologists, clinicians, and medical professionals when discussing rare sweat gland disorders.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chromhidrosis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chromhidrosis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chromhidrosis”
- Misspelling as 'chromidrosis' (missing 'h'), 'chromhydrosis', or 'chromadrosis'. Mispronouncing the 'hidr-' segment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Chromhidrosis itself is typically benign and primarily a cosmetic concern, though it can cause distress. However, it may rarely indicate an underlying condition that requires investigation.
Causes can include the presence of pigment-producing bacteria (like Corynebacterium) on the skin, the secretion of lipofuscin pigment from apocrine glands, or the ingestion or exposure to certain dyes or chemicals.
Treatment is challenging and depends on the type (apocrine vs. eccrine). Options may include topical agents (like capsaicin or aluminium chloride), Botox injections, or, in severe cases, surgical removal of affected sweat glands.
In British English: /ˌkrəʊmhaɪˈdrəʊsɪs/ (krohm-hy-DROH-sis). In American English: /ˌkroʊmhaɪˈdroʊsɪs/ (krohm-hy-DROH-sis). The stress is on the third syllable.
A rare condition characterised by the secretion of coloured, often blue, green, black, or red, sweat.
Chromhidrosis is usually technical / medical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHROMatic (colour) + HIDROSIS (sweating) = coloured sweating.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Pure clinical term)
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'chromhidrosis' exclusively used?