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Tinea: meaning, definitions and examples

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tinea

 

[ ˈtɪn.i.ə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Tinea is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails. It is commonly known as ringworm due to the characteristic ring-shaped rash that often appears. Various forms of tinea affect different parts of the body, such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and tinea corporis (body).

Synonyms

dermatophyte infection, fungal infection

Examples of usage

  • He was diagnosed with tinea corporis after noticing a rash on his arm.
  • Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, can be contagious in locker rooms.
  • Tinea capitis can lead to hair loss if left untreated.

Word origin

The term 'tinea' originates from Latin, where it means 'moth', a reference to the appearance of the lesions caused by the infection, which can resemble moth-eaten fabric. The term has been in use in medical terminology since at least the 17th century. Tinea infections are caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive on keratin found in skin, hair, and nails. Over time, the understanding of tinea has evolved, with increased recognition of its various forms and the specific fungi responsible for each type. The study of these infections and their treatments has been significant in dermatology, highlighting the need for proper hygiene and antifungal medications.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,093, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.