Hypertrichosis: meaning, definitions and examples

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hypertrichosis

 

[ ˌhʌɪpəˈtrɪkoʊsɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Hypertrichosis refers to excessive hair growth on the body, often in abnormal areas. It can be either congenital or acquired, and may be generalized or localized.

Synonyms

excessive hair growth, hirsutism, werewolf syndrome.

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Word Description / Examples
hypertrichosis

This term is used in medical contexts to describe a general condition of excessive hair growth. It can affect any area of the body.

  • The patient was diagnosed with hypertrichosis, which resulted in hair growth on unusual parts of the body.
  • Hypertrichosis can be congenital or acquired.
excessive hair growth

This is a general term that can be used in both medical and everyday contexts to describe an unusual amount of hair growth.

  • She consulted the doctor about her excessive hair growth.
  • Excessive hair growth can sometimes be a side effect of medication.
werewolf syndrome

This colloquial term is usually used in a non-medical, informal context to describe hypertrichosis, due to its association with the myth of werewolves. It carries a somewhat negative or sensational connotation.

  • People with werewolf syndrome often face social stigma due to their appearance.
  • He jokingly referred to his condition as werewolf syndrome.
hirsutism

This term is commonly used to describe a condition where women develop excessive hair growth in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back. It's often related to hormonal imbalances.

  • Hirsutism can be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Many women with hirsutism seek medical treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Examples of usage

  • Individuals with hypertrichosis may experience increased hair growth on their face, back, or arms.
  • Some forms of hypertrichosis are hereditary, passed down through generations.
  • Hypertrichosis can have a significant impact on a person's self-esteem and social interactions.
  • In extreme cases, hypertrichosis may require medical intervention or treatment.
  • Hypertrichosis is a rare condition, affecting a small percentage of the population.

Translations

Translations of the word "hypertrichosis" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hipertricose

🇮🇳 अधिक रोमकुंचन

🇩🇪 Hypertrichose

🇮🇩 hipertrikosis

🇺🇦 гіпертрихоз

🇵🇱 hipertrichoza

🇯🇵 多毛症

🇫🇷 hypertrichose

🇪🇸 hipertricosis

🇹🇷 hipertrikoz

🇰🇷 과다모증

🇸🇦 فرط الشعر

🇨🇿 hypertrichóza

🇸🇰 hypertrichóza

🇨🇳 多毛症

🇸🇮 hipertrihoza

🇮🇸 ofurhárvöxtur

🇰🇿 гипертрихоз

🇬🇪 ჰიპერტრიქოზი

🇦🇿 hipertrikoz

🇲🇽 hipertricosis

Etymology

The term 'hypertrichosis' originates from the Greek words 'hyper' meaning excessive and 'thrix' meaning hair. It has been documented throughout history, with cases dating back to ancient times. People with hypertrichosis were often exhibited as curiosities in circuses and sideshows, leading to the condition being colloquially referred to as 'werewolf syndrome'. Despite the historical stigma, modern medicine has made advancements in understanding and treating hypertrichosis.