naevi
Definition
- Noun (plural form):
- Medical term: "Naevi" is the plural of "naevus" (also spelled "nevus" in American English). It refers to small, usually pigmented spots or growths on the skin, commonly known as moles or birthmarks. These are benign clusters of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) or other skin cells.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The dermatologist examined several naevi on the patient's back to ensure none were cancerous. (Moles on the skin were checked for abnormal changes.)
- Most naevi appear during childhood or adolescence and remain harmless. (Birthmarks or moles that develop early in life are typically benign.)
Advanced Usage
"Congenital naevi": naevi present at birth.
- Congenital naevi are often larger than acquired naevi and may require monitoring. (Birthmarks present from birth can be bigger than those that appear later.)
"Dysplastic naevi": atypical moles that may have irregular borders or color, sometimes linked to increased risk of melanoma.
- Patients with dysplastic naevi are advised to have regular skin checks. (Atypical moles warrant closer medical observation.)
Variants and Related Words
Naevus (n, singular): a single mole or birthmark.
- The naevus on her arm has been there since birth. (A single birthmark.)
Nevus (n, American English spelling): same as naevus.
- A common nevus is usually round and uniform in color. (A typical mole.)
Naevoid (adj): resembling or relating to a naevus.
- The naevoid lesion was small and dark. (The mole-like growth.)
Synonyms
- Mole: a common term for a small, dark skin growth.
- Birthmark: a mark on the skin present from birth or appearing soon after.
- Pigmented lesion: a broader medical term for any spot on the skin with increased pigment.
Related Idioms
- (No common idioms exist for "naevi" as it is a specialized medical term. However, the phrase "beauty mark" is sometimes used informally for a prominent, attractive mole, though this is not a direct synonym.)