ringworm

[ring-wurm]

noun Pathology.

any of a number of contagious skin diseases caused by certain parasitic fungi and characterized by the formation of ring-shaped eruptive patches.

Origin of ringworm

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at ring¹, worm

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

Examples from the Web for ringworm

Historical Examples of ringworm

It is not necessary to rub it in when using it where there is no ringworm.
The Eugenic Marriage, Volume IV. (of IV.)
Grant Hague
Children of all ages are liable to "catch" ringworm of the scalp.
The Eugenic Marriage, Volume IV. (of IV.)
Grant Hague
Describe the appearances of a typical patch of ringworm of the scalp.
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin
Henry Weightman Stelwagon
Does ringworm of the scalp always present typical appearances?
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin
Henry Weightman Stelwagon
Describe the symptoms of ringworm as it occurs upon the scalp.
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin
Henry Weightman Stelwagon

British Dictionary definitions for ringworm

ringworm

noun

any of various fungal infections of the skin (esp the scalp) or nails, often appearing as itching circular patchesAlso called: tinea

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 ringworm

name given to certain skin diseases, early 15c., from ring (n.1) + worm (n.).

ringworm in Medicine

ringworm

[rĭng′wûrm′]

n.

tinea

ringworm in Science

ringworm

[rĭng′wûrm′]

Any of a number of contagious fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails caused chiefly by species of the genera Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Ringworm often causes scaly, itching ring-shaped patches, especially on the skin. Also called tinea