adjective
- of or relating to organisms, especially fungi, that feed on or thrive in keratin-containing materials such as hair, nails, and skin
Usage: technical; mycology; dermatology
Examples
- Keratinophilic fungi are commonly found in soil and can cause infections of the skin and nails.
- The laboratory identified several keratinophilic species in the patient's hair sample.
- Dermatophytes are keratinophilic organisms that specialize in breaking down keratin.
- Keratinophilic molds play an important role in decomposing dead skin cells in nature.