argyrosis
|ar-gy-ro-sis|
🇺🇸
/ˌɑrɡɪˈroʊsɪs/
🇬🇧
/ˌɑːɡɪˈrəʊsɪs/
silver deposition in tissue
Etymology
'argyrosis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'argyros', where 'argyros' meant 'silver', combined with the suffix '-osis' meaning 'condition' (medical use).
'argyros' (Greek for 'silver') + the medical suffix '-osis' were combined in New/Medical Latin to form 'argyrosis', which was adopted into English with the same medical sense.
Initially it denoted a condition involving silver ('a silver-related condition'), and it has retained this medical sense, now used specifically for silver deposition causing discoloration (including ocular forms).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a condition caused by the deposition of silver in tissues, producing a bluish-gray or slate-gray discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.
Argyrosis is characterized by bluish-gray discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from long-term exposure to silver.
Synonyms
Noun 2
specifically, deposition of silver in ocular tissues (cornea, conjunctiva) leading to discoloration or changes detectable on eye examination (ocular argyrosis).
Ocular argyrosis can be seen in patients with prolonged use of silver-containing medications or occupational exposure to silver dust.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/12 16:06