ringworm

[ ring-wurm ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. any of a number of contagious skin diseases caused by certain parasitic fungi and characterized by the formation of ring-shaped eruptive patches.

ringworm

/ ˈrɪŋˌwɜːm /

noun

1. any of various fungal infections of the skin (esp the scalp) or nails, often appearing as itching circular patches Also calledtinea

ringworm

/ rĭng′wûrm′ /

1. Any of a number of contagious fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails caused chiefly by species of the genera Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Ringworm often causes scaly, itching ring-shaped patches, especially on the skin.
2. Also called tinea

Word History and Origins

Origin of ringworm¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; ring ¹ + worm

Example Sentences

In humans, fungi can cause infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm.

From Science News For Students

The team got a clue from a 1960s research study about Trichophyton erinacei, a fungus that causes “hedgehog ringworm” in humans.

From Science News

How would you exclude ringworm in a suspected case of eczema?

From Project Gutenberg

Describe the appearances of a typical patch of ringworm of the scalp.

From Project Gutenberg

Does ringworm of the scalp always present typical appearances?

From Project Gutenberg

Describe the symptoms of ringworm as it occurs upon the scalp.

From Project Gutenberg

Ringworm of the face, taken early, is helped by carefully painting with tincture of iodine.

From Project Gutenberg