necrotic
|ne-crot-ic|
🇺🇸
/nɪˈkrɑtɪk/
🇬🇧
/nɪˈkrɒtɪk/
dead tissue
Etymology
'necrotic' originates from Modern Latin 'necroticus' and Ancient Greek, specifically the Greek word 'nekrotikos', where 'nekros' meant 'dead'.
'necrotic' changed from the Greek word 'nekrotikos' into Late Latin/Modern Latin 'necroticus' and later entered English via medical and scientific usage as 'necrotic'.
Initially, it meant 'relating to death' in a general sense, but over time it evolved into the current medical meaning of 'relating to necrosis or dead tissue'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
affected by necrosis; consisting of or showing dead tissue (often used of tissue that has died because of injury, infection, or loss of blood supply).
The surgeon removed the necrotic tissue to prevent further infection.
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Adjective 2
relating to or characteristic of necrosis as a process (describing conditions, changes, or agents associated with tissue death).
The biopsy showed necrotic changes around the tumor.
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Last updated: 2026/01/21 00:44