vernix caseosa
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A white, greasy, cheese-like protective substance that coats the skin of a fetus and newborn baby. It is composed of sebum (skin oils) and shed skin cells.
Usage
This is a technical, medical term. It is used in contexts related to childbirth, neonatal care, and human biology. * The midwife explained that the vernix caseosa helps protect the baby's skin in the womb. * Newborns are often covered in vernix caseosa, which is usually not washed off immediately as it has protective benefits.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often shortened informally in medical settings to simply "vernix."
- It is sometimes described as having a waxy or paste-like consistency.
Variants and Related Words
- Vernix (n.): The common abbreviated form of "vernix caseosa."
- The nurse gently wiped the excess vernix from the baby's skin.
Synonyms
- Birth coating (less common, descriptive term)
- Cheesy coating (descriptive, non-technical term)
Different Meanings
This term has only one specific meaning in medical and biological contexts. There are no idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it.
Noun
- a white cheeselike protective material that covers the skin of a fetus