dermatomyositis

noun

der·​ma·​to·​my·​o·​si·​tis ˌdər-mə-tō-ˌmī-ə-ˈsī-təs How to pronounce dermatomyositis (audio)
(ˌ)dər-ˌma-
: polymyositis that is accompanied by involvement of the skin and that is marked especially by reddish erythematous eruptions usually on the face, neck, upper trunk and distal half of the limbs and by violet-colored erythema of the eyelids and region over the upper eyelids

Examples of dermatomyositis 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.
The condition that Gleason’s daughter, who is now in her mid-20s, was diagnosed with is called juvenile dermatomyositis. — Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 10 Mar. 2025 At the time, the rheumatologist also sent his blood work to a lab to get more information on the type of dermatomyositis Alex had. — Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dermatomyositis was circa 1899

Rhymes for dermatomyositis

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Browse Nearby Words

dermatomyces
dermatomyositis
dermatophyte
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Cite this Entry

“Dermatomyositis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermatomyositis. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

dermatomyositis

noun
der·​ma·​to·​my·​o·​si·​tis -ˌmī-ə-ˈsīt-əs How to pronounce dermatomyositis (audio)
plural dermatomyositises or dermatomyositides -ˈsit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce dermatomyositis (audio)
: polymyositis that is accompanied by involvement of the skin and that is typically marked by reddish erythematous eruptions especially on the face, neck, upper trunk and distal half of the limbs, by periorbital edema, by violet-colored erythema of the eyelids and region over the upper eyelids, and sometimes by cutaneous vasculitis or subcutaneous calcification
The specific trigger for dermatomyositis is not known, but it is thought that several cancers can produce or incite the body to produce antibodies, proteins, and hormones.— Stewart Massad, Discover
—abbreviation DM

More from Merriam-Webster on dermatomyositis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dermatomyositis

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