rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryalopeciaHair loss
noun

alopecia

al-uh-PEE-shuh/ˌæləˈpiːʃə/

Partial or complete loss of hair

The woman parts her hair to reveal bare patches caused by alopecia.

Close three-quarter view of an older woman gently parting her hair to reveal two clearly defined, irregular round patches of smooth bare scalp amid otherwise intact hair, making patchy hair loss the unmistakable focus.
Etymology
alopecGreekfox
+iaGreekcondition

The name presents hair loss as a “fox condition.” This is usually explained as a comparison with foxes losing their hair through mange, though the source also records another explanation.

In context

Canadian Dermatology Association27:01
the most common area to see um, androgenetic alopecia or frontal or female pattern hair thinning was the bitemporal scalp.
S6 Ep5: Diverse Hair with Dr. Crystal Aguh

More examples

  • She discusses her experience of alopecia with a support group.
  • The report describes several different forms of alopecia.
  • His alopecia affects only a small patch of scalp.

Similar words

baldness
Usually refers to scalp hair loss rather than every affected area.