Which term literally means "white patch"?

The term that literally means "white patch" is leukoplakia. This term is derived from the Greek words "leuko," meaning white, and "plakos," meaning patch or plaque. Leukoplakia refers to a condition where white patches form on the mucous membranes, typically in the mouth, which can be a response to irritation or a potential precursor to more serious conditions, including cancer. It is important to differentiate leukoplakia from other terms.

Keratosis generally refers to a thickening of the outer layer of the skin or mucous membranes, often associated with hard, scaly patches but does not specifically denote a "white patch." Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin and can manifest in various forms, often characterized by redness, swelling, and itchiness, rather than white patches specifically. Cheilitis refers to inflammation of the lips, which can cause cracking and scaling but also does not directly mean "white patch." Therefore, leukoplakia is the term that accurately captures the meaning of a "white patch" in a clinical context.