Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
pilonidal
adjective
/ˌpɪloʊˈnaɪdəl/
Definition
Relating to an abnormality in the skin at the base of the tailbone, often associated with the presence of hair follicles and cyst formation.
Examples
- The patient was diagnosed with a pilonidal cyst after complaining of pain at the lower back.
- Regular hygiene can help prevent pilonidal infections.
- Surgery may be required to remove a chronic pilonidal sinus.
Meaning
The term ‘pilonidal’ comes from the Latin word ‘pilo’, meaning hair, and ‘nidus’, meaning nest. It is commonly associated with a pilonidal cyst, a condition that occurs when hair becomes trapped in the skin.
Synonyms
- None
