xerophthalmic
|xe-ro-phthal-mic|
🇺🇸
/ˌzɪrəfˈθæl.mɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌzɪə.rɒfˈθæl.mɪk/
related to dry eye
Etymology
'xerophthalmic' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'xēros' and 'ophthalmos', where 'xēros' meant 'dry' and 'ophthalmos' meant 'eye'.
'xerophthalmic' came into English via New Latin 'xerophthalmia' (from Greek), with the adjective formed by adding the suffix '-ic' to refer to conditions or characteristics relating to dry eye.
Initially it meant 'relating to dry eye (xerophthalmia)', and this medical meaning has been retained in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characterized by xerophthalmia; involving abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea (dry eye conditions).
The patient presented with xerophthalmic symptoms due to vitamin A deficiency.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/28 11:06