ringworm

American  

[ring-wurm] / ˈrɪŋˌwɜrm /

noun

Pathology.

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

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ringworm British  

/ ˈrɪŋˌwɜːm /

noun

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

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ringworm Scientific  

/ rĭng′wûrm′ /

1. 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.

2. Also called tinea

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Etymology

Origin of ringworm

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; ring ¹ + worm

Compare meaning

How does ringworm compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• impetigo vs. ringworm

Example Sentences

He returned his first pick for a 19-yard touchdown and did what his teammates referred to as the "Sherman Shuffle" or "Ringworm Sherm."

From Seattle Times • Dec. 10, 2012

Ringworm comes in many forms and can be present in locker rooms, on wrestling and gymnastic mats, on goggles and bathing caps.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2010

"Ringworm grows on the outer layer of skin like fungi, like a plant."

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2010

Ringworm is caught at swimming pools, golf clubs, athletic clubs�wherever people use common dressing rooms.

From Time Magazine Archive

Ringworm is to be distinguished by its circular form, its fading in the centre, and in doubtful cases by microscopic examination of the scrapings.

From Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Including the Syphilodermata Arranged in the Form of Questions and Answers Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Stelwagon, Henry Weightman