Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
phossy-jaw
noun
/ˈfɒsi ˌdʒɔː/
Definition
Phossy-jaw is a disease caused by exposure to phosphorus, particularly in the workplace, resulting in severe jawbone damage.
Examples
- Workers in the match industry historically suffered from phossy-jaw due to prolonged exposure to white phosphorus.
- The symptoms of phossy-jaw can be debilitating, affecting a person’s ability to eat and speak.
Meaning
The term refers to a condition where the jaw becomes necrotic and often leads to severe pain and dysfunction due to phosphorus poisoning.
Synonyms
- Phosphorus necrosis
- Phosphorism
