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impetigo

[im-pi-tahy-goh]
noun Pathology.
  1. a contagious skin disease, especially of children, usually caused by streptococcal bacteria, marked by a superficial pustular eruption, particularly on the face.
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Origin of impetigo

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin impetīgō, equivalent to impet(ere) to make for, attack (see impetus) + -īgō, as in vertīgō vertigo
Related formsim·pe·tig·i·nous [im-pi-tij-uh-nuh s] /ˌɪm pɪˈtɪdʒ ə nəs/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for impetigo

Historical Examples

  • In India Dr. Kirkpatrick has used it as a lotion in impetigo.

    The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines

    T. H. Pardo de Tavera

  • From what diseases is impetigo contagiosa to be differentiated?

    Essentials of Diseases of the Skin

    Henry Weightman Stelwagon

  • From impetigo contagiosa, and the flat pustular syphiloderm.

    Essentials of Diseases of the Skin

    Henry Weightman Stelwagon

  • Sulphur has been used with benefit in Eczema, Impetigo, and Lepra.

    The Action of Medicines in the System

    Frederick William Headland

  • The eldest child has glands; impetigo; thin and badly nourished.

    New Worlds For Old

    Herbert George Wells

British Dictionary definitions for impetigo

impetigo

noun
  1. a contagious bacterial skin disease characterized by the formation of pustules that develop into yellowish crusty sores
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Derived Formsimpetiginous (ˌɪmpɪˈtɪdʒɪnəs), adjective

Word Origin

C16: from Latin: scabby eruption, from impetere to assail; see impetus; for form, compare vertigo
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 impetigo

n.

pustular disease of the skin, late 14c., from Latin impetigo "skin eruption," from impetere "to attackâ" (see impetus). Related: Impetiginous.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
impetigo in Medicine

impetigo

(ĭm′pĭ-tī′gō)
n. pl. im•pe•ti•gos
  1. A contagious skin infection caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria and characterized by the eruption of superficial pustules that rupture and form thick yellow crusts, usually on the face; it is most commonly seen in children.impetigo contagiosa impetigo vulgaris
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
impetigo in Science

impetigo

[ĭm′pĭ-tī′gō]
  1. A contagious skin infection caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria and seen most commonly in children. Impetigo is characterized by superficial pustules that rupture and form thick yellow crusts, usually on the face.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.