tricho-, trich-, -tricha, -trichia, -trichan, -trichic, -trichosis, -trichous, -thrix, -trichum, -trichy +

A compact mass of hair that forms in the alimentary canal (especially in the stomach of animals as a result of licking fur), notably of cats: A trichobezoar is a concretion within the stomach or intestines formed of hairs, also known as a "hairball" or "hair ball".

A bezoar is a ball of swallowed foreign material (usually hair or fiber) that collects in the stomach and fails to pass through the intestines.

Chewing on or eating hair or fuzzy materials (or indigestible materials such as plastic bags) can lead to the formation of a bezoar. The incidence is very low and the risk is greater among mentally retarded or emotionally disturbed children. Generally bezoars are seen in females (approximately 90%) aged 10 to 19.

The bezoar may need to be surgically removed (especially trichobezoars which tend to be large). Sometimes small bezoars can be removed through a scope placed through the mouth and into the stomach (similar to an EGD procedure). Then, follow the prevention measures described.

A genus of digenetic trematode worms of the family Schistosomatidae: Trichobilharzia includes forms that normally parasitize aquatic birds and are leading causes of swimmer's itch in humans.

Pericardial inflammation with elevations resembling hair: Trichocardia is a pericardium coated with a roughened layer of fibrinous exudate (substance that has oozed out the essential portion of a blood clot).

Regarding fruit that is hairy: There are various types of fruit that are s trichocarpous, like the kiwifruit and those of cacti.

Referring to a substance that is supposed to prevent hair from graying: Jane asked her hairdresser if she had a hair agent that would restore the original or faded hair color, and would prevent her hair turning gray.

Brittleness of the hair: Trichoclasis is the fracture, breaking of hair, or of ends splitting as a result of being so very dry.

Compulsive pulling, stroking, or the pulling out of one's hair; trichotillomania: Sally's presents were concerned about their daughter because she was always twisting and pulling out her beautiful hair, and their doctor said it was a condition of trichoclasmania which could be treated.

The brittleness condition of the hair: Lynn had a case of trichoclasty which her doctor explained as the reason for the fractures and breaking of her hair.

Any disease of the hair follicles: Trichocryptosis is a term used to describe all kinds of infections, disorders, or ailments of the hair follicles.

An organ of offense and defense embedded in the outer cytoplasm of certain protozoans: A trichocyst consists of a small elongated sac containing a fine, hairlike filament, and capable of being ejected.

A soil fungus of the genus trichderma: In a trichoderm, the outmost hyphae appears parallel, like hairs, at right angles to the surface of the cap.

Pain that results when the hair is touched: Mrs. Green wondered why her head was so tender when brushing or washing her hair, and her dermatologist said that there were many causes for a case of trichodynia, including folliculitis, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Impaired nutrition of hair, which can lead to baldness: Mr. Law found out that he had a condition of trichodystrophy which was perhaps caused by defective nutrition of his hair, which could culminating in alopecia.

Trichodystrophy may be acquired or congenital; the latter often with metabolic or other birth defects.

A neoplasm of the adnexa of the skin: A benign skin tumor originating in the hair follicles.

An electric appliance for measuring or determining the amount of sensation when the hair is touched: Dr. Hairschnitz, a dermatologist, developed a unique trichoesthesiometer which was used in the research lab to study hair, scalps, and other aspects of the skin.