Ephelis

/ˈɛfəlɪs/ noun

Definition

A medical term for a freckle or small, flat, brown spot on the skin caused by sun exposure.

Etymology

From Greek ephelis, literally 'on the surface,' from epi- 'upon' and helios 'sun.' It originally referred specifically to sun-caused spots.

Kelly Says

The word ephelis is actually the ancient Greek medical term for what modern dermatologists still recognize—it shows how observant ancient physicians were about sun damage, centuries before we understood UV radiation.

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