necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs 

ne-

plural necroses nə-ˈkrō-ˌsēz 

ne-

: usually localized death of living tissue

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Cells die naturally after a period of time, but may also die as a result of injuries, infections, or disease. Burns produce necrosis, and the bedsores experienced by immobile or bedridden patients are a form of necrosis. The dreaded condition known as gangrene, in which the dying tissue turns black or green, is another form. When untreated, the dying cells release substances that lead to the death of surrounding cells, so untreated necrosis can lead to death. Treatment usually requires the removal of the necrotic tissue, and in severe cases can even involve amputating a limb.

Examples of necrosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Others suffered physical damage and went through necrosis, their membranes splitting open and their contents spilling out. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

Just as composting makes nutrients from necrosis, in 2025, Big Tech’s end will be the beginning of a new and vibrant ecosystem. —Meredith Whittaker, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024

The liver develops nodules (growths), and scar tissue persists, leading to necrosis and cellular death. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Avascular necrosis meant a loss of blood flow to the bone, killing tissue. —Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek nekrōsis, from nekroun to make dead, from nekros dead body

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing necrosis

• avascular necrosis
• phloem necrosis
• tumor necrosis factor

Medical Definition

necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs, ne- 

plural necroses -ˌsēz 

: death of living tissue

specifically : death of a portion of tissue differentially affected by local injury (as loss of blood supply, corrosion, burning, or the local lesion of a disease) compare necrobiosis