How Do You Spell PIEBALD SKIN?

Pronunciation: [pˈiːbɔːld skˈɪn] (IPA)

Piebald skin is a term used to describe skin with irregular patches of white and colored areas. The word piebald originates from the Middle English word "pybald", which means "piebald". The spelling of this word is pronounced as /ˈpaɪˌbɔld skɪn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "pie" is pronounced as "pi" like in the word "pie". The second syllable "bald" is pronounced as "bɔld" with a slight emphasis on the O sound.

PIEBALD SKIN Meaning and Definition

1. Piebald skin is a term that refers to a distinctive, uneven pigmentation pattern commonly observed in animals, particularly horses and mammals. The term "piebald" originates from the combination of two words, "pie" (meaning magpie, a monochrome bird with white and black feathers) and "bald" (meaning devoid of color or white). This condition manifests as patches or areas of contrasting colors, typically white and another color such as black, brown, or reddish, distributed irregularly across the body.

   Piebald skin occurs due to a genetic mutation that affects the production and distribution of melanocytes, specialized cells responsible for pigmentation. The affected animals typically exhibit a mosaic-like appearance, with patches of normal-colored skin juxtaposed with patches of unpigmented white or another abnormal color. The size, shape, and location of these patches can vary greatly, leading to unique and eye-catching patterns on the animal's skin.

   While piebald skin is primarily a cosmetic condition, it may also be associated with other genetic disorders or health issues in some cases. Additionally, the phenomenon can occur in humans, although it is relatively rare. Horses with piebald skin, like the famous "painted" breeds, are often prized for their striking appearance and may hold cultural or symbolic significance in various societies.

2. A condition of the skin in which it presents spots or patches of pigmentation or loss of pigment; vitiligo, leucoderma.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PIEBALD SKIN

• oiebald skin
• liebald skin
• -iebald skin
• 0iebald skin
• puebald skin
• pjebald skin
• pkebald skin
• poebald skin
• p9ebald skin
• p8ebald skin
• piwbald skin
• pisbald skin
• pidbald skin
• pirbald skin
• pi4bald skin
• pi3bald skin
• pievald skin
• pienald skin
• piehald skin
• piegald skin

Etymology of PIEBALD SKIN

The term "piebald skin" is derived from the combination of two words: "pie" and "bald".

1. Pie: The word "pie" originally comes from the Latin word "pica", which means "magpie". Magpies are birds characterized by having black and white feathers. In the late 14th century, the word "pie" started being used to describe animals that had a black and white or multicolored pattern resembling the plumage of a magpie. Over time, it began to be applied to humans as well.

2. Bald: The word "bald" has its roots in the Old English word "bala", which means "shining, white, or bald". It was initially used to describe a patch of white hair or a white mark on the forehead of an animal and was later extended to describe humans too.