telangiectasis
|te-lan-gi-ec-ta-sis|
/ˌtɛlənˈdʒɛktəsɪs/
dilated tiny blood vessels
Etymology
'telangiectasis' originates from Modern Latin/Neo-Latin, formed from Greek elements: 'telan(g)ion' (from Greek 'télos' meaning 'end' + 'angeion' meaning 'vessel') and Greek 'ektasis' meaning 'extension' or 'dilation'.
'telangiectasis' developed via New Latin medical formation such as 'telangiectasia' used in 19th-century medical literature; the Greek roots 'telos' + 'angeion' + 'ektasis' combined into the modern English medical term 'telangiectasis'.
Initially it referred to the idea of 'dilation of terminal vessels,' and over time it retained that core meaning, becoming the standard term for visible dilation of small superficial blood vessels.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a permanent dilation of small blood vessels (capillaries, venules, or arterioles) near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes, visible as fine red lines or patterns.
The dermatologist identified multiple telangiectasis on the patient's cheeks.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/27 02:27