Definition

A thick, raised scar that forms when the body produces too much fibrous tissue during healing after an injury or surgery.

Example

After her surgery, she developed a keloid on her shoulder that was larger than expected.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a keloid?

Yeah, I think it's that type of scar that sticks out, right?

Exactly! I got one after my surgery, and it's really noticeable.

Ouch, that must be frustrating. I read they can be hard to treat.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Keloid comes from the Greek word "cheloides" (meaning resembling a crab's claw) which is derived from "chele" (meaning claw) and the suffix "-oid" (meaning resembling or like). The term describes a type of raised scar that resembles the shape of a crab's claw.

Memory Tip

Imagine a scar that looks like a 'claw' ('chele') — that's why keloids are raised scars that resemble a claw shape.

Visually Confused Words