Dermatology
/ˌdɜːrməˈtɑːlədʒi/noun
The branch of medicine concerned with the skin.
Did you know?Dermatology is built from Greek derma, a word tied to the body’s outer covering, and -logia, “the study of,” so its history is pure ancient-language science rather than occult lore.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
δέρμα (dérma)
“skin, hide”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-λογία (-logía)
“study, discourse, account”
Late 19th Century
French/English
dermatologie
“the study and treatment of skin diseases”
Modern English
English
dermatology
“the medical specialty dealing with the skin”
Explore more surprising origins