athlete's foot

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a contagious disease, caused by a fungus that thrives on moist surfaces; ringworm of the feet.

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athlete's foot British  

noun

1. Technical name: tinea pedis. a fungal infection of the skin of the foot, esp between the toes and on the soles

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Etymology

Origin of athlete's foot

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

athlete's foot

Patients arrived with gangrenous foot wounds that harried providers elsewhere brushed off as athlete’s foot.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026

Norms eventually hopes to offer products for “the butt to the gut and beyond,” Katz said about future ventures for athlete’s foot, jock itch and constipation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 21, 2025

Herbalists recommend calendula lotions, creams, and ointments for chapped skin, eczema, minor cuts and burns, diaper rash, insect bites, hemorrhoids, athlete’s foot, and varicose veins.

From National Geographic ● Feb. 7, 2024

For example, my dermatologist prescribed an ointment for athlete’s foot.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 22, 2023

I’m pretty sure he mostly clears up athlete’s foot and plantar warts.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina

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