keloid
UK[ˈkiːlɔɪd]US[ˈkiːlɔɪd]
n
a raised scar that grows beyond the boundaries of the original wound, often caused by excessive collagen formation during healing.
Etymology
the term 'keloid' originates from the french 'chéloïde', which was derived from modern latin 'cheloides'. this, in turn, came from the greek 'khēlē', meaning 'crab's claw', combined with the suffix '-oid', meaning 'resembling'. the name was chosen because the projecting, claw-like growth of the scar tissue was thought to resemble a crab's pincer. thus, the modern medical term for this specific type of scar retains a vivid metaphorical link to its ancient descriptive origin.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from french, which adapted it from modern latin. it is not productively formed from morphemes present in its current english spelling and is therefore treated as a simplex unit.
Examples
after the surgery, she developed a thick, itchy keloid on her chest.
some individuals have a genetic predisposition to form keloids from minor skin injuries.
dermatologists can offer treatments like steroid injections to help flatten a prominent keloid.