molluscum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “molluscum” mean?
A skin disease caused by a virus, characterized by small, pearly, wart-like bumps.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A skin disease caused by a virus, characterized by small, pearly, wart-like bumps.
The term is most commonly used as part of 'molluscum contagiosum', referring to the specific viral infection. In rare historical contexts, it can refer more broadly to any soft skin tumor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Purely medical/clinical in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both UK and US English, used almost exclusively by healthcare professionals.
Grammar
How to Use “molluscum” in a Sentence
The paediatrician diagnosed [molluscum].The patient presented with [molluscum contagiosum].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molluscum” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The molluscum rash was treated with cryotherapy.
American English
- The molluscum outbreak required careful management.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and dermatology journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; a layperson would more likely say 'a contagious skin virus' or 'those little bumps'.
Technical
Standard term in dermatology and paediatrics for the specific infection.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molluscum”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “molluscum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molluscum”
- Using 'molluscum' as a plural (it's a mass noun). Incorrect: 'He has two molluscums.' Correct: 'He has molluscum.'
- Pronouncing it as /ˈmɒləskəm/ with stress on the first syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are caused by different viruses (poxvirus vs. papillomavirus), though both cause skin growths.
Yes, though it is far more common in children. In adults, it can sometimes be associated with sexual contact or a compromised immune system.
It is generally a benign, self-limiting condition that resolves on its own, but it can be itchy, spread easily, and cause cosmetic concern.
It is typically used as a singular, non-count noun. You say 'The patient has molluscum,' not 'molluscums'.
A skin disease caused by a virus, characterized by small, pearly, wart-like bumps.
Molluscum is usually technical/medical in register.
Molluscum: in British English it is pronounced /məˈlʌskəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈləskəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOLLUSK (soft-bodied creature) causing a soft bump on the skin.
Conceptual Metaphor
INVASION (virus invades skin cells).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'molluscum'?