An autosomal dominant trichodystrophy in which brittle hairs show a series of constrictions, usually without a medulla. SYN: beaded hair, moniliform hair. [L. monile, necklace, + G. thrix, hair]
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mo·nil·e·thrix mə-'nil-ə-.thriks n, pl mon·i·let·ri·ches .män-ə-'le-trə-.kēz an inherited disease of the hair in which each hair appears as if strung with small beads or nodes
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mo·nil·e·thrix (mo-nilґə-thriks) [L. monile necklace + -thrix] an autosomal dominant condition in which the hairs are brittle and have multiple constrictions, rarely reaching 1 to 2 cm before breaking.
Monilethrix. (A), Ultrastructure of a hair, showing alternating elliptical nodes and constrictions; (B), clinical presentation.
Medical dictionary. 2011.