1 xerophthalmia | Definition of xerophthalmia
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xerophthalmia

noun
xe·​roph·​thal·​mia | \ ˌzir-ˌäf-ˈthal-mē-ə How to pronounce xerophthalmia (audio) , ˌzir-ˌäp-ˈthal-\

Definition of xerophthalmia

: a dry thickened lusterless condition of the eyeball resulting especially from a severe systemic deficiency of vitamin A
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Other Words from xerophthalmia

xerophthalmic \ ˌzir-​ˌäf-​ˈthal-​mik How to pronounce xerophthalmic (audio) , ˌzir-​ˌäp-​ˈthal-​ \ adjective

Examples of xerophthalmia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 While rare, a true deficiency of vitamin A can lead to a condition called xerophthalmia, which can damage normal vision and result in night blindness—the inability to see in the dark or low light. — Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health.com, "8 Health Benefits of Peaches," 7 Aug. 2019

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

First Known Use of xerophthalmia

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for xerophthalmia

Late Latin, from Greek xērophthalmia, from xēr- xer- + ophthalmia ophthalmia

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More Definitions for xerophthalmia

xerophthalmia

noun
xe·​roph·​thal·​mia | \ ˌzir-ˌäf-ˈthal-mē-ə, -ˌäp-ˈthal- How to pronounce xerophthalmia (audio) \

Medical Definition of xerophthalmia

: a dry thickened lusterless condition of the eyeball resulting especially from a severe systemic deficiency of vitamin A — compare keratomalacia

Other Words from xerophthalmia

xerophthalmic \ -​mik How to pronounce xerophthalmic (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on xerophthalmia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about xerophthalmia

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