lentigo
C2Technical/Medical
Definition
Meaning
A small, flat, dark-brown spot on the skin, caused by a high concentration of melanin.
A medical term for a specific type of benign pigmented skin lesion, often resulting from sun exposure and commonly referred to as a 'liver spot' or 'age spot'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in dermatology and clinical contexts. The lay terms are 'liver spot' or 'age spot'. It is a singular noun; the plural is 'lentigines'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a technical, clinical connotation. The layperson is more likely to use 'liver spot' or 'age spot'.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both UK and US English; confined to medical professionals, dermatology texts, and patient literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The patient has [a] lentigo.Lentigo appears on the [body part].The dermatologist examined the lentigo.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and biological research papers on dermatology and skin conditions.
Everyday
Extremely rare; replaced by 'liver spot' or 'age spot'.
Technical
Standard term in dermatology, pathology, and clinical medicine for a specific benign hyperpigmentation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The lentiginous lesions were biopsied.
- He presented with a lentigo-like appearance.
American English
- The lentiginous proliferation was noted.
- A lentigo-type spot was observed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dermatologist said the dark spot was just a harmless lentigo.
- Lentigines often appear on the backs of the hands in older adults.
- Solar lentigo is a common, benign skin lesion directly related to cumulative sun exposure.
- The differential diagnosis included a simple lentigo versus an early seborrheic keratosis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'LENTIgo' – a tiny spot that 'lends' its dark colour to your skin permanently, like a tiny lentil stuck there.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKIN IS A CANVAS / MARKS ARE STAMPS (A lentigo is a permanent stamp of pigment on the skin's canvas).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'веснушка' (freckle). Lentigo is a permanent spot, while freckles often fade. The closest Russian medical term is 'лентиго' (same), but the common term is 'печеночное пятно' (liver spot).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect pluralisation ('lentigos' instead of 'lentigines').
- Confusing it with a mole (nevus) or melanoma.
- Mispronunciation stressing the first syllable (/ˈlɛntɪɡoʊ/).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of a solar lentigo?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Lentigines have an increased number of melanocytes and persist year-round, while freckles (ephelides) have a normal number of melanocytes and often fade in winter.
Most are completely benign. However, a specific subtype called 'lentigo maligna' is a precancerous lesion that can develop into melanoma and requires monitoring.
Yes, for cosmetic reasons, they can be treated with cryotherapy, laser therapy, or topical bleaching agents, but treatment is not medically necessary.
The correct plural form is 'lentigines' (pronounced len-TIJ-i-neez).