Leukosis
/luːˈkoʊ.sɪs/noun
A condition marked by an abnormal increase or presence of white blood cells, especially in blood or tissues.
Did you know?Leukosis comes from Greek leukos, “white,” plus -osis, a condition or process, and that same leuk- root also gives us words tied to light and brightness, showing how ancient language linked whiteness with visibility and radiance.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
λευκός (leukós)
“white, bright, shining”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-ωσις (-ōsis)
“a condition, process, or state”
Late Latin / Medical Latin
Latin
leucosis
“a white or pallid condition; later a medical term”
19th Century
English
leukosis
“a medical condition characterized by abnormal whiteness or excess white blood cells”
Modern English
English
leukosis
“an abnormal increase or presence of white blood cells, especially in blood or tissues”