Argyrism
/ˈɑːrdʒərɪzəm/noun
A condition caused by prolonged exposure to silver compounds, producing permanent blue-gray discoloration of the skin and other tissues.
Did you know?The word ultimately connects to Greek argyros, “silver,” a metal traditionally associated in alchemy and astrology with the Moon.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂erǵ-
“To shine or be bright; the reconstructed root associated with silver-colored brightness.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄργυρος (argyros)
“Silver, the bright precious metal.”
Late Greek / New Latin
Greek / Latin
argyrismus
“A condition involving silver; formed from Greek argyros with the medical suffix -ismus.”
19th Century
Medical English
argyrism
“A pathological discoloration caused by chronic silver exposure.”
Modern English
English
argyrism
“Permanent blue-gray pigmentation and related effects resulting from silver poisoning or accumulation.”