impetigo

[im-pi-tahy-goh]

noun Pathology.

a contagious skin disease, especially of children, usually caused by streptococcal bacteria, marked by a superficial pustular eruption, particularly on the face.

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for impetigo

Historical Examples of impetigo

In India Dr. Kirkpatrick has used it as a lotion in impetigo.
The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines
T. H. Pardo de Tavera
From impetigo contagiosa, and the flat pustular syphiloderm.
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin
Henry Weightman Stelwagon
From what diseases is impetigo contagiosa to be differentiated?
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

a contagious bacterial skin disease characterized by the formation of pustules that develop into yellowish crusty sores

Derived Formsimpetiginous (ˌɪmpɪˈtɪdʒɪnəs), adjective

Word Origin for impetigo

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

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

impetigo in Medicine

impetigo

[ĭm′pĭ-tī′gō]

n. pl. im•pe•ti•gos

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

impetigo in Science

impetigo

[ĭm′pĭ-tī′gō]

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.