1 ptoses | Definition of ptoses
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

ptosis

noun
pto·​sis | \ ˈtō-səs How to pronounce ptosis (audio) \
plural ptoses\ ˈtō-​ˌsēz How to pronounce ptoses (audio) \

Definition of ptosis

: a sagging or prolapse of an organ or part especially : a drooping of the upper eyelid

Examples of ptosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 This is best for hiding the fact that my eyes are not symmetrical—a result of being born with ptosis, a drooping eyelid, and many operations to correct it. — Gal Beckerman, The New Republic, "Don’t Blame Phones for Narcissism," 7 May 2018 The researchers did find that aging (duh), number of pregnancies and smoking did cause breast ptosis. — Alexis Madrigal, WIRED, "Turning Flickr Images into Statues, Making Sense of Mouse Urine," 2 Nov. 2007

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ptosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ptosis

1710, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ptosis

New Latin, from Greek ptōsis act of falling, from piptein

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for ptosis

ptosis

noun
pto·​sis | \ ˈtō-səs How to pronounce ptosis (audio) \
plural ptoses\ -​ˌsēz How to pronounce ptoses (audio) \

Medical Definition of ptosis

: a sagging or prolapse of an organ or part renal ptosis especially : a drooping of the upper eyelid (as from paralysis of the oculomotor nerve)

More from Merriam-Webster on ptosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ptosis

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!