psoriasis

noun

pso·​ri·​a·​sis sə-ˈrī-ə-səs How to pronounce psoriasis (audio)
: a chronic skin disease characterized by circumscribed red patches covered with white scales
psoriatic
ˌsȯr-ē-ˈa-tik How to pronounce psoriasis (audio)
adjective or noun

Examples of psoriasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Read on to learn how to overcome some of the most common social challenges among people with psoriasis. — Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2026 Since psoriasis is a disease of excessive dryness in the skin, your barrier is less functional. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026 Delevingne says her psoriasis was worsened by her stressful modeling lifestyle. — Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 Dermatologists are using them off-label to combat a variety of skin conditions, including rosacea and psoriasis. — Elyse Moody, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for psoriasis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek psōriasis, from psōrian to have the itch, from psōra itch; akin to Greek psēn to rub

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psoriasis was circa 1684

Rhymes for psoriasis

See All Rhymes for psoriasis

Browse Nearby Words

Psorergates
psoriasis
psoric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Psoriasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psoriasis. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

psoriasis

noun
pso·​ri·​a·​sis sə-ˈrī-ə-səs How to pronounce psoriasis (audio)
: a skin disease characterized by red patches often covered with white scales

Medical Definition

psoriasis

noun
pso·​ri·​a·​sis sə-ˈrī-ə-səs How to pronounce psoriasis (audio)
plural psoriases -ˌsēz How to pronounce psoriasis (audio)
: a chronic skin disease characterized by circumscribed red patches covered with white scales

More from Merriam-Webster on psoriasis

Nglish: Translation of psoriasis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about psoriasis

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