Naevus
Pronunciation: NEE-vus (singular); NEE-vye (plural: naevi)
A circumscribed benign proliferation of melanocytes or other skin cells, commonly called a mole; the preferred British/international clinical spelling.
Full Definition
Naevus (plural: naevi) is the internationally preferred clinical spelling for a benign pigmented or non-pigmented lesion arising from melanocytes or other elements of the skin. The American spelling 'nevus' (plural: nevi) is standard in US journals. Types include compound naevus, intradermal naevus, dysplastic naevus, and congenital melanocytic naevus. Editors must identify and consistently apply the appropriate regional spelling and ensure singular/plural agreement (naevus/naevi or nevus/nevi) throughout the document. 'Naevi' is not written as 'naevuses.'
Usage
Usage note: Standardise to 'naevus/naevi' for British/international copy and 'nevus/nevi' for US copy. Never pluralise as 'naevuses.' Always clarify type (e.g., dysplastic, congenital) when the distinction is clinically significant.
In Context
- "A 6 mm dysplastic naevus on the upper back was excised with 2 mm margins." — Surgical histopathology report
- "The journal follows British dermatological convention; 'nevi' was changed to 'naevi' throughout." — Copy-editing note