urticaria

American

[ur-ti-kair-ee-uh] / ˌɜr tɪˈkɛər i ə /

noun

Pathology.

a transient condition of the skin, usually caused by an allergic reaction, characterized by pale or reddened irregular, elevated patches and severe itching; hives.

urticaria British

/ ˌɜːtɪˈkɛərɪə /

noun

Nontechnical names: hives. nettle rash. a skin condition characterized by the formation of itchy red or whitish raised patches, usually caused by an allergy

"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

urticaria Scientific

/ ûr′tĭ-kâr′ē-ə /

See hives

Other Word Forms

urticarial

adjective

Etymology

Origin of urticaria

1765–75; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin urtīc ( a ) nettle + -āria, feminine of -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Amber did some research herself and when she came across cold urticaria, she was referred to a dermatologist.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

In the realm of additives, substances like tartrazine and sodium benzoate emerge as potential instigators of urticaria and asthma.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2024

In those with solar urticaria, the body develops an immediate allergic reaction to one of the cellular components changed by sunlight.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2023

After many tests and consultations, doctors finally settled on a diagnosis: Cholinergic and solar urticaria - Carrie was allergic to heat and the sun.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2021

Urticaria and Diarrhea.—Patients who suffer from urticaria readily are almost sure to have other neurotic disturbances, and their intestines seldom escape.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023