Definition

Noun 1. A skin disease characterized by soft, pulpy nodules: A medical term for any of several skin conditions, most commonly a viral infection, that cause the appearance of small, firm, dome-shaped, and often pearly or flesh-colored bumps on the skin.

Usage

• The term is primarily used in medical and dermatological contexts.
• It most frequently refers to molluscum contagiosum, a common, contagious viral skin infection.
• It describes the physical appearance of the lesions (soft, pulpy nodules) rather than a single specific cause.

Examples

• The pediatrician diagnosed the child's rash as molluscum.
• Molluscum lesions are typically painless but can be itchy.
• Treatment for molluscum is often unnecessary as it usually clears up on its own.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in its medical sense. In non-medical contexts, the full name "molluscum contagiosum" or a description like "a viral skin infection" is more common for clarity.

Variants and Related Words

• Molluscum contagiosum (n.): The specific, highly common viral infection referred to by the shortened term "molluscum."
• Molluscum body (n.): A histological term for the large, intracellular viral particles found within the skin lesions.

Synonyms

• (For ): Viral papules, water warts (informal).

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning is defined by the characteristic lesion: a soft, pulpy nodule. While "molluscum contagiosum" is by far the most prevalent condition described by this word, the definition can technically encompass other nodular skin diseases, making it a broader categorical term in dermatology.

Noun

1. any skin disease characterized by soft pulpy nodules