impetigo

[ im-pi-tahy-goh ]

nounPathology.
  1. a contagious skin disease, especially of children, usually caused by streptococcal bacteria, marked by a superficial pustular eruption, particularly on the face.

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Origin of impetigo

1
1350–1400; Middle English <Latin impetīgō, equivalent to impet(ere) to make for, attack (see impetus) + -īgō, as in vertīgōvertigo

Other words from impetigo

  • im·pe·tig·i·nous [im-pi-tij-uh-nuhs], /ˌɪm pɪˈtɪdʒ ə nəs/, adjective

Words Nearby impetigo

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use impetigo in a sentence

  • From impetigo contagiosa, and the flat pustular syphiloderm.

    Essentials of Diseases of the Skin | Henry Weightman Stelwagon
  • From what diseases is impetigo contagiosa to be differentiated?

    Essentials of Diseases of the Skin | Henry Weightman Stelwagon
  • This variety was formerly thought to be a distinct disease, and was described under the name of impetigo simplex.

    Essentials of Diseases of the Skin | Henry Weightman Stelwagon
  • It is closely allied to impetigo contagiosa, and may in fact be regarded as a markedly inflammatory form of the latter affection.

    Essentials of Diseases of the Skin | Henry Weightman Stelwagon
  • Similar abscesses are met with on the scalp in association with eczema, impetigo, and pediculosis.

    Manual of Surgery | Alexis Thomson and Alexander Miles

British Dictionary definitions for impetigo

impetigo

/ (ˌɪmpɪˈtaɪɡəʊ) /


noun
  1. a contagious bacterial skin disease characterized by the formation of pustules that develop into yellowish crusty sores

Origin of impetigo

1
C16: from Latin: scabby eruption, from impetere to assail; see impetus; for form, compare vertigo

Derived forms of impetigo

  • impetiginous (ˌɪmpɪˈtɪdʒɪnəs), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for impetigo

impetigo

[ ĭm′pĭ-tī ]


  1. A contagious skin infection caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria and seen most commonly in children. Impetigo is characterized by superficial pustules that rupture and form thick yellow crusts, usually on the face.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.