Hyperkeratosis
/ˌhaɪ.pərˌkɛr.əˈtoʊ.sɪs/noun
A condition marked by abnormal thickening of the outer layer of the skin.
Did you know?The core Greek root kerat- originally meant “horn,” which is why related scientific words can sound strangely animal, armored, and almost mythic.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
hyper-
“over, beyond, excessive”
Ancient Greek
Greek
keras, keratos
“horn”
Modern Scientific Latin
Latin
hyperkeratosis
“excessive horn-like thickening of tissue, especially the skin”
19th Century
English
hyperkeratosis
“medical term adopted into English for abnormal thickening of the skin”
Modern English
English
hyperkeratosis
“the current medical term for thickened outer skin layer”