kəˈpleɪ1880–85; < Neo-Latin, equivalent to Greek leuko- leuko- + plak-, stem of pláx flat surface, taken as “tongue” + -ia -ia
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
leukoplakia leu·ko·pla·ki·a (l&oomacr;'kə-plā'kē-ə)
n.
A condition characterized by white spots or patches on mucous membranes, especially of the mouth and vulva. Also called leukoplasia, smoker's patch, smoker's tongue.
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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leukoplakia
precancerous tumour of the mucous membranes, most common in older men and usually seen on the lips or tongue, but also known to occur in women on the vagina or vulva. Leukoplakia first appears as a small, smooth, white spot but develops into a larger area of thickening with a rough texture and colour varying from white to gray; red areas within the leukoplakia pose a particularly high risk of becoming malignant. Older lesions may have numerous fissures and sores and tend to bleed after slight injury
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