psoriasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical, formal, sometimes informal when describing personal health.
Quick answer
What does “psoriasis” mean?
A chronic, non-contagious skin condition characterized by red, scaly, and often itchy patches.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chronic, non-contagious skin condition characterized by red, scaly, and often itchy patches.
In a broader medical context, it refers to a systemic autoimmune disorder that can also affect joints (psoriatic arthritis) and is linked to other conditions. Informally, it may be used to describe any persistent, scaly, or flaky skin appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. Treatment terminology (e.g., 'GP' vs. 'dermatologist') may differ by healthcare system.
Connotations
Neutral medical term in both varieties. Carries the same connotations of a chronic, manageable, but sometimes distressing condition.
Frequency
Equally common in medical and lay discourse in both regions due to the global prevalence of the condition.
Grammar
How to Use “psoriasis” in a Sentence
[Patient] has psoriasis.[Treatment] is for psoriasis.Psoriasis affects [body part].Psoriasis is treated with [medication].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “psoriasis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The condition psoriasis can be debilitating.
- Her skin psoriases severely in winter.
American English
- Psoriasis often runs in families.
- Stress can cause his skin to psoriasis.
adjective
British English
- He has psoriatic arthritis.
- The psoriatic plaques were extensive.
American English
- She manages her psoriatic symptoms with phototherapy.
- A psoriatic skin lesion is typically well-demarcated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or cosmetic industries (e.g., 'a new drug for psoriasis').
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and pharmacological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Used when discussing personal health, family medical history, or experiences with chronic conditions.
Technical
Precise medical term used in diagnosis, clinical descriptions, and treatment plans by dermatologists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “psoriasis”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “psoriasis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “psoriasis”
- Mispronouncing the initial 'p' (it is silent).
- Misspelling as 'poriasis' or 'soriasis'.
- Confusing it with contagious conditions like eczema or ringworm.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition and is not contagious at all.
Common triggers include stress, skin injuries (like cuts or sunburn), certain medications, infections, and cold, dry weather.
There is currently no cure, but many effective treatments exist to manage symptoms and clear the skin for periods of time.
No. It is a systemic disease. Some people develop psoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints. It is also associated with a higher risk of other conditions like cardiovascular disease.
A chronic, non-contagious skin condition characterized by red, scaly, and often itchy patches.
Psoriasis is usually medical, formal, sometimes informal when describing personal health. in register.
Psoriasis: in British English it is pronounced /səˈraɪ.ə.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈraɪ.ə.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SORE EYE A SIS' (sounds like /səˈraɪ.ə.sɪs/) – a condition that might make your skin look sore and is a persistent 'sis' (sister/problem).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A BATTLEFIELD (immune system attacking skin cells). THE SKIN IS A LANDSCAPE (with patches/plaques).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of psoriasis?