apocrustic
|a-po-crus-tic|
🇺🇸
/əˈpɑːkrʌstɪk/
🇬🇧
/əˈpɒkrʌstɪk/
remove or loosen crusts/scabs
Etymology
'apocrustic' originates from Greek elements: prefix 'apo-' meaning 'off, away' and root related to 'krustē' meaning 'crust' (or scab).
'apocrustic' was formed via Late Latin/Medieval Latin patterns (e.g. Latinized form 'apocrusticus') and entered English in medical usage to describe substances that remove crusts or scabs.
Initially it designated agents or properties specifically for removing crusts or scabs; this medical sense has been preserved though the word has remained rare in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or remedy used to loosen or remove crusts or scabs from a wound or ulcer; an agent that produces removal of crusts.
They applied an apocrustic to the injury before dressing the wound.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
having the property of softening, loosening, or removing crusts or scabs (especially from wounds); scab‑removing.
The apocrustic ointment helped loosen the scabs so they could be gently removed.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/19 11:36