tinea (ringworm) (tin-iă) n. a fungus infection of the skin, scalp, or nails. It is caused by the dermatophyte fungi – Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton – and can be spread by direct contact or via infected materials. The lesions of ringworm may form partial or complete rings and may cause intense itching. The disease is treated with antifungal agents taken by mouth (such as itraconazole or terbinafine) or applied locally. t. barbae ringworm of the skin under a beard. t. capitis ringworm of the scalp, of which favus is a severe form. t. cruris see dhobie itch. t. pedis see athlete's foot.

tinea ringworm. XVII. — L. tinea gnawing worm, moth, worm in the body.