Necrosis

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Grammarist

Necrosis is a word that has been in use since the late 1500s. We will examine the definition of the word necrosis, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.

Necrosis is the death of cells in living tissue, or the death of the cells in an organ. Necrosis involves the death and decay of these cells, and may cause eventual death of the organism. Necrosis may occur because of injury, toxic substances, infection or interruption of blood flow. Necrosis is irreversible, though the removal of the necrosis may prevent death of the organism. The adjective form of necrosis is necrotic. The word necrosis is derived from the Greek word nekrosis, which means a state of death.

Examples

When the plane landed, he was taken to hospital where medics confirmed he was suffering from gangrene, a form of necrosis, or premature tissue death, caused by a lack of blood and oxygen to the tissue. (The Sun)

It has now emerged that the smell was not caused by a lack of hygiene but rather tissue necrosis, when the body’s cells destroy themselves using their own enzymes, usually following an infection. (Newsweek)

Her medical files are an encyclopedia of disorders and side effects: pancreatitis, acute and subacute necrosis of the liver, osteoporosis. (The Miami Herald)

Serious inhalation or ingestion can cause severe pain with inflammation ulceration and necrosis of the mucous membranes, which line almost every internal organ. (The Eastern Mirror)

Most bites are minor, however, a small number of brown recluse bites do result in necrosis. (Spectrum News)

When levels are as high as 0.5 ppm for more than eight hours or from 1-4 ppm. for more than thirty minutes, sensitive plants including some beans and brassicas as well as lettuces, Swiss chard, endive and turnips will likely show leaf burn or necrosis. (West Hawaii Today)