necrosis
noun
ne·cro·sis nə-ˈkrō-səs 
ne-
plural necroses nə-ˈkrō-ˌsēz
ne-
: usually localized death of living tissue
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Cells die naturally after a period of time, but may also die as a result of injuries, infections, or disease. Burns produce necrosis, and the bedsores experienced by immobile or bedridden patients are a form of necrosis. The dreaded condition known as gangrene, in which the dying tissue turns black or green, is another form. When untreated, the dying cells release substances that lead to the death of surrounding cells, so untreated necrosis can lead to death. Treatment usually requires the removal of the necrotic tissue, and in severe cases can even involve amputating a limb.
Examples of necrosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Had it not, Vonn risked permanent nerve damage and other complications, such as necrosis and infection that could have rendered the leg basically useless. —
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2026 For reasons researchers still don’t understand, these toxins cause necrosis in humans but seem to primarily affect the nerve cells of insect prey. —Matthew Cordes, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026 This is a rare complication that can lead to temporary or permanent vision impairment, blindness, stroke, or skin necrosis. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026 Restricted blood flow can cause necrosis, or in rare cases, blindness, if the blood vessel is close to the eyes. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for necrosis
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2026 For reasons researchers still don’t understand, these toxins cause necrosis in humans but seem to primarily affect the nerve cells of insect prey. —Matthew Cordes, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026 This is a rare complication that can lead to temporary or permanent vision impairment, blindness, stroke, or skin necrosis. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026 Restricted blood flow can cause necrosis, or in rare cases, blindness, if the blood vessel is close to the eyes. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for necrosis
Cite this Entry
“Necrosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/necrosis. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
necrosis
noun
ne·cro·sis nə-ˈkrō-səs, ne-
plural necroses -ˌsēz
: death of living tissue
specifically : death of a portion of tissue differentially affected by local injury (as loss of blood supply, corrosion, burning, or the local lesion of a disease)
compare necrobiosis
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