Derm

/dɜːrm/ noun

Definition

Short for dermatology or the skin; informal term used by medical professionals.

Etymology

Shortened form of 'dermatology,' which comes from Greek 'derma' (skin) + 'logia' (study of). The prefix 'derm-' is used throughout medicine to refer to skin-related conditions.

Kelly Says

Medical professionals create their own shorthand for efficiency—'derm' is how doctors talk quickly about skin concerns, but it also shows how specialized communities develop their own linguistic shortcuts.

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