aphthic
|aph-thic|
/ˈæfθɪk/
relating to mouth ulcers
Etymology
'aphthic' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'aphthicus', where 'aphthicus' combined 'aphtha' meaning 'ulcer' with the suffix '-icus' meaning 'pertaining to'.
'aphthic' changed from Greek 'ἀφθα' (aphtha, 'ulcer') into Late Latin/New Latin 'aphtha/aphthicus' and eventually into the English adjective 'aphthic' via medical Latin usage.
Initially, it meant 'pertaining to an aphtha (ulcer)', and over time it has retained this medical sense of 'relating to mouth ulcers' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characterized by aphthae (small ulcers, especially in the mouth).
The patient presented with aphthic lesions on the inner lip.
Synonyms
Adjective 2
medical: of or caused by an aphtha; ulcerous.
Biopsy confirmed that the rash was aphthic in origin.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/17 08:02