Desquamative

/dɛˈskwɑːmətɪv/ adjective

Definition

Relating to, characterized by, or causing desquamation; having the quality of shedding or peeling.

Etymology

From desquamation with the suffix -ive (having the quality of). The -ive suffix creates adjectives from nouns describing inherent qualities or tendencies.

Kelly Says

'Desquamative interstitial pneumonia' sounds like a disease from science fiction, but it's just lung inflammation that causes tissue shedding—medicine loves adding -ive endings to make processes sound like attributes.

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