necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs How to pronounce necrosis (audio)
ne-
plural necroses nə-ˈkrō-ˌsēz How to pronounce necrosis (audio)
ne-
: usually localized death of living tissue

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Cells die naturally after a period of time, but may also die as a result of injuries, infections, or disease. Burns produce necrosis, and the bedsores experienced by immobile or bedridden patients are a form of necrosis. The dreaded condition known as gangrene, in which the dying tissue turns black or green, is another form. When untreated, the dying cells release substances that lead to the death of surrounding cells, so untreated necrosis can lead to death. Treatment usually requires the removal of the necrotic tissue, and in severe cases can even involve amputating a limb.

Examples of necrosis in a Sentence

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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 venom is potent and can cause severe pain, necrosis (tissue death), nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024 Avascular necrosis: When this occurs, bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. Maggie Aime, Msn, Health, 20 Sep. 2024 Keep in mind that changes in skin color are typically less pronounced in people with darker skin, so ischemia and necrosis may be harder to spot.24 Changes in temperature of fingers and toes. Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024 One unanswered question is whether antivenom would be just as effective at preventing necrosis if it could be administered immediately, rather than after an ambulance ride to a hospital, for instance. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for necrosis 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek nekrōsis, from nekroun to make dead, from nekros dead body

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of necrosis was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near necrosis

Cite this Entry

“Necrosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/necrosis. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

necrosis

noun
ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs, ne- How to pronounce necrosis (audio)
plural necroses -ˌsēz How to pronounce necrosis (audio)
: death of living tissue
specifically : death of a portion of tissue differentially affected by local injury (as loss of blood supply, corrosion, burning, or the local lesion of a disease) compare necrobiosis

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