Enanthema

/ɛnænˈθiːmə/ noun

Definition

A rash or eruption appearing on the mucous membranes, typically inside the mouth, seen in conditions like measles.

Etymology

From Greek 'en-' (in) + 'anthema' (efflorescence from 'anthos' meaning flower). The term was adopted into medical Latin and then English to describe internal eruptions that accompany systemic diseases.

Kelly Says

When you have measles, you get tiny white spots called Koplik spots inside your mouth before the famous red rash appears on your skin—these are enanthemata, and their appearance actually helps doctors diagnose measles before the obvious symptoms show up.

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