hives

[hahyvz]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. any of various eruptive conditions of the skin, as the wheals of urticaria.

hives

/ haɪvz /

noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural) pathol a nontechnical name for urticaria

hives

1. A skin condition characterized by transient, itching welts, usually resulting from an allergic reaction.

hives

1. A condition characterized by the sudden appearance of red, raised areas on the skin that itch severely. Hives may be caused by an allergic reaction (see allergy) to foods or other substances.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hives¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; originally Scots; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of hives¹

C16: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Fortunately, his own 1,500 hives are intact, because the fire stopped just metres away from the fields where he keeps them.

Read more on BBC

Tillman: There was a point it would make me break out in hives because it felt like I had no control over it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Although the hives have all been full of food, the bees have just dwindled. Most of the bees survived through January, February, and then they just vanished," he says.

Read more on BBC

Within seconds of getting into the bath, Elysia became red and developed a hives rash all over her body.

Read more on BBC

While some bee-keepers aim only to produce honey, many others rent out their hives to farmers who need the insects to pollinate their crops.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• epidemic 
• eruption 
• flood 
• spate 
• wave