Definition of "pemphigus" [pem•phi•gus]

• Any of several acute or chronic skin diseases characterized by groups of itching blisters. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "A grave type of pemphigus is exceptionally observed in the newborn -- _pemphigus neonatorum_."
• "He had been in failing health in recent years, battling cancer of the esophagus as well as pemphigus, a rare autoimmune disease."
• "His underlying disease was pemphigus vulgaris, a nasty autoimmune blistering disease of the skin."