porphyria

noun

por·​phyr·​ia pȯr-ˈfir-ē-ə How to pronounce porphyria (audio)
: any of several usually hereditary abnormalities of porphyrin metabolism characterized by excretion of excess porphyrins in the urine

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More recent research argues against the porphyria hypothesis. — Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 10 May 2023 The doctors began to doubt that porphyria was behind the woman's symptoms. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from International Scientific Vocabulary porphyrin

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of porphyria was in 1923

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“Porphyria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/porphyria. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

porphyria

noun
por·​phyr·​ia pȯr-ˈfir-ē-ə How to pronounce porphyria (audio)
: any of several usually hereditary abnormalities of porphyrin metabolism characterized by excretion of excess porphyrins in the urine and by extreme sensitivity to light

More from Merriam-Webster on porphyria

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about porphyria

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