Definition

Noun: A pathological process involving the loss of cohesion between keratinocytes (skin cells) in the epidermis, leading to the formation of blisters. This is a specific histological term used primarily in dermatology.

Usage

The term is used almost exclusively in medical and scientific contexts to describe a cellular mechanism observed in certain blistering skin diseases. * The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis by showing clear acantholysis. * Acantholysis is the primary cause of blister formation in pemphigus vulgaris.

Advanced Usage

• Adjectival Form: The adjective acantholytic is commonly used to describe cells or conditions characterized by this process.
  • The microscope slide showed acantholytic cells.
  • Pemphigus is an acantholytic disease.

Variants and Related Words

• Acantholytic (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by acantholysis.

Synonyms

• Keratinocyte detachment (a descriptive synonym, less specific)
• Intercellular cohesion loss (a descriptive phrase)

Different Meanings

This is a highly specialized medical term with a single, precise meaning related to dermatopathology. It does not have common, non-technical meanings.

Noun

1. a breakdown of a cell layer in the epidermis (as in pemphigus)