Path. [mod.L., f. Gr. ξηρός dry, after sarcoma, etc.] Abnormal dryness of some part from lack of fluid secretion; spec. = XEROPHTHALMIA. Hence Xeromatous a., of the nature of or affected with xeroma.
1848. Dunglison, Med. Lex. (ed. 7), Xeroma, xerophthalmia…. Xeroma, lachrymal, suppression of the lachrymal secretion.
1860. Mayne, Expos. Lex., Xeromatous.
1875. H. Walton, Dis. Eye (ed. 3), 876. The cornea passes into complete pannus or xeroma.
