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

Related Words

• epidemic 
• eruption 
• flood 
• spate 
• wave