ptosis

noun

pto·​sis ˈtō-səs How to pronounce ptosis (audio)
plural ptoses ˈtō-ˌsēz How to pronounce ptosis (audio)
: a sagging or prolapse of an organ or part
especially : a drooping of the upper eyelid

Examples of ptosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Other symptoms include a dilated pupil, redness and tears in the affected eye, ptosis, and nasal congestion.4 SUNCT headache: Short-lasting, unilateral, neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) causes moderate to severe pain around the eye or temple. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 25 July 2024 Other symptoms may include sweating, ptosis, red and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and pressure in the affected eye.6 Secondary Headaches Secondary headaches can also cause pain on the right side of your head. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 25 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek ptōsis act of falling, from piptein

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ptosis was in 1710

Rhymes for ptosis

See All Rhymes for ptosis

Browse Nearby Words

ptosis
ptr
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ptosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ptosis. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Medical Definition

ptosis

noun
pto·​sis ˈtō-səs How to pronounce ptosis (audio)
plural ptoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce ptosis (audio)
: a sagging or prolapse of an organ or part
renal ptosis
especially : a drooping of the upper eyelid (as from paralysis of the oculomotor nerve)

More from Merriam-Webster on ptosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ptosis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Words You Always Have to Look Up
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Superb Owl Words

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular Features

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

9 Superb Owl Words

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
girl-pencil-test
Challenging Standardized Test Words Quiz Vol. 3 You’re on your own for the math section.
See All