necrotizing
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /nɛkroʊˈtaɪzɪŋ/
KK: /nɛkroʊtaɪzɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing the death of cells or tissues in the body.
Example
The doctor diagnosed the patient with necrotizing fasciitis, a serious infection that destroys skin and tissue.
Conversation
Did you hear about that new medical condition called necrotizing fasciitis?
Yeah, it's really serious and can escalate quickly, right?
Exactly! It's alarming how something so small can lead to such necrotizing issues.
I know! It just shows how important it is to take care of our health.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tissue-destroying
gangrenous
decaying
Antonyms
healing
restorative
wholesome
verb
Definition
To cause tissue death in a part of the body, often due to infection or lack of blood flow.
Example
The doctor explained that the infection was necrotizing the surrounding tissue.
Tense Forms
Past: necrotized
Past Participle: necrotized
Conversation
Did you hear about that new medical condition where tissue starts necrotizing?
Yeah, it's really scary how quickly it can progress.
I know, right? It makes you think about how important it is to treat infections early.
Root Explanation
Necrotizing → It is formed from "necros" (from Greek, meaning dead) and "-izing" (a suffix indicating the process of making or becoming). The word "necrotizing" refers to the process of causing tissue death.
Memory Tip
Think of the Greek word for dead ('necros') to remember that 'necrotizing' means causing something to die or become dead.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.