tinea

noun

tin·​ea ˈti-nē-ə 

: any of several fungal infections of the skin

especially : ringworm

tineal

ˈti-nē-əl 

adjective

Examples of tinea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are many types of fungal skin infections, such as: Ringworm Athlete’s foot Yeast infections, such as candida or tinea versicolor This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024

This fungus causes skin rashes, also known as tinea, which can spread on the face, limbs, groin, and feet, according to the press release. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 6 June 2024

But unlike the neat circles typical with other forms of ringworm, the tinea caused by this new fungal infection may be mistaken for lesions caused by eczema, which could cause people not to seek the appropriate treatment right away, the press release said. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 6 June 2024

At the same time, Caplan warned that another skin infection that causes tinea is less responsive to standard treatments. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 6 June 2024

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is the umbrella term for a handful of microorganisms that can infect one or more of your toenails.1 Different types of toenail fungus include subungual, white superficial, and candida. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 19 May 2024

Ketoconazole: This has more uses than some of the other antifungals on this list, and can be prescribed to treat conditions including athlete’s foot, tinea versicolor, and ringworm. —April Benshosan, Verywell Health, 9 May 2024

Excess sebum can also lead to pigmentation, including melasma and post-inflammatory hyper- and hypo-pigmentation; skin diseases like acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor; swelling in the nose and eyes; and eye issues like dry eyes, itching, styes and blepharitis. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Athlete’s foot—also known as tinea pedis or foot ringworm—is a fungal infection that impacts the feet. —Sherri Gordon, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, worm, moth

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tinea

• tinea cruris
• tinea pedis

Rhymes for tinea

• linea
• zinnia
• perigynia
• pollinia

Medical Definition

tinea

noun

tin·​ea ˈtin-ē-ə 

: any of several fungal diseases of the skin

especially : ringworm