chilblain

[chil-bleyn]

noun Usually chilblains. Pathology.

an inflammation of the hands and feet caused by exposure to cold and moisture.

Origin of chilblain

First recorded in 1540–50; chill + blain

Also called pernio.

Related formschil·blained, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for chilblain

Historical Examples of chilblain

I did look like that in his studio, though the chilblain was itching.
To Tell You the Truth
Leonard Merrick
Jimmy would be sure to tell her that the first signs of a chilblain were approaching.
Girls New and Old
L. T. Meade
The beastly thing's alphabetical, and only gets to "Chilblain."
Punch, or the London Charivari, November 4th 1893
Various
"Break the camera," Burnett Minor murmured to the chilblain.
The Story of Louie
Oliver Onions
"Yes," said he, in that cool way he has, which can be as irritating as a chilblain.
The Motor Maid
Alice Muriel Williamson and Charles Norris Williamson

British Dictionary definitions for chilblain

chilblain

noun

pathol (usually plural) an inflammation of the fingers, toes, or ears, caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and coldTechnical name: pernio

Derived Formschilblained, adjective

Word Origin for chilblain

C16: from chill (n) + blain

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

Word Origin and History for chilblain

1540s, from chill (n.) + blain "inflamed swelling or sore on skin." Related: Chilblains.

chilblain in Medicine

chilblain

[chĭl′blān′]

n.

Erythema, itching, and burning, especially of the dorsa of the fingers and toes, and of the heels, nose, and ears, resulting from exposure to moist cold.erythema pernio