alopecia

/ˈæləˌpiʃ(i)ə/

/æləʊˈpiʃə/

Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss and baldness. Some types of alopecia are caused by an immune system disorder.

While most men experience alopecia, or balding, at some point in their lives, it's less common in women. The term alopecia applies to all types of hair loss, including balding caused by trauma, like tight ponytails, and fungal infections. Extreme forms of alopecia can result in loss of body hair as well. The Greek root of the word is alōpekia, literally "fox mange," from alōpēx, "fox."

Definitions of alopecia

1. noun

   loss of hair (especially on the head) or loss of wool or feathers; in humans it can result from heredity or hormonal imbalance or certain diseases or drugs and treatments (chemotherapy for cancer)
   types:

   alopecia areata

   patchy baldness

   type of:

   baldness, phalacrosis

   the condition of having no hair on the top of the head