Definition

Noun: 1. A medical condition characterized by an enlarged nose with dilated follicles, redness, and prominent vascularity of the skin: This term refers to a specific dermatological symptom, often linked to chronic alcohol consumption. It describes a visibly red and swollen nose with noticeable blood vessels.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor noted the patient's copper nose was a classic sign of advanced rosacea.
  • Excessive drinking over many years can lead to the development of a copper nose.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Terminology: In a clinical context, "copper nose" is a descriptive, non-technical term often associated with the skin condition rhinophyma, which is a severe form of rosacea. It is important to note that while linked to alcoholism in the public perception, the condition has a complex medical etiology.
  • The dermatologist explained that the patient's copper nose required specialized treatment for rhinophyma.

Variants and Related Words

• Rhinophyma (n): The formal medical term for the condition of severe, bulbous nasal swelling due to advanced rosacea.
• Rosacea (n): A chronic skin condition that can cause facial redness and, in some cases, progress to rhinophyma.

Synonyms

• Rhinophyma: The direct medical synonym.
• Bulbous nose: A descriptive term focusing on the shape.
• Drinker's nose: A colloquial term with the same implied association.

Notes on Usage

• Sensitivity: The term "copper nose" is considered dated and can be perceived as insensitive or stigmatizing due to its strong historical association with alcoholism. In modern medical and respectful discourse, the term rhinophyma is preferred.
• Association: While a classic stereotype, it is crucial to understand that not all individuals with rhinophyma have alcohol use disorder, and not all individuals with alcohol use disorder develop this condition.

Noun

1. enlargement of the nose with dilation of follicles and redness and prominent vascularity of the skin; often associated with excessive consumption of alcohol