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phototherapy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˌfoʊtəʊˈθɛrəpi//

KK: /ˈfoʊtəʊˌθɛrəpi/

noun
Definition

A type of treatment that uses light to help heal certain health problems, especially skin issues.


Example

The doctor recommended phototherapy to treat her skin condition.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about phototherapy for skin issues?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read that it can really help with conditions like eczema.
Sloth A
I think I might try it since my skin has been acting up lately.
Sloth B
That sounds like a good idea; just make sure to consult a dermatologist first!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lighttherapy
radiotherapy
heliotherapy
Antonyms
darkness
shadow
obscurity
Root Explanation

Phototherapy → It is formed from "photo-" (from Greek "phōs", meaning light) and "therapy" (from Greek "therapeia", meaning treatment). The word "phototherapy" refers to treatment using light.

Memory Tip

Think of 'light' ('photo-') being used for 'treatment' ('therapy') — that's why phototherapy means treatment with light.

Visually Confused Words
phacotherapy
histotherapy
zootherapy
pyotherapy
orotherapy
opotherapy
phthisiotherapy
trophotherapy
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