whitlow

American  

[hwit-loh, wit-] / ˈʰwɪt loʊ, ˈwɪt- /

noun

1. an inflammation of the deeper tissues of a finger or toe, especially of the terminal phalanx, usually producing suppuration.

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whitlow British  

/ ˈwɪtləʊ /

noun

1. any pussy inflammation of the end of a finger or toe

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Etymology

Origin of whitlow

1350–1400; Middle English whit ( f ) lowe, whitflawe. See white, flaw ¹

Example Sentences

He says it is possible the surgeon may have had a herpetic whitlow - a herpes infection on the finger - which could have "directly seeded the herpes into the abdomen of the women".

From BBC

In fact, it is easy to miss this tiny plant’s entire blooming season; by the time most people even consider looking for local spring wildflowers, whitlow grass has come and gone.

From New York Times

Wildflowers spring to life in fancy clothes: showy golden balsamroot, cobalt and lemon-tinged camas, pearly whitlow grass.

From Seattle Times

A small ulcerous swelling, coming suddenly; also, a whitlow.

From Project Gutenberg

I have also successfully used it in several severe whitlows; in every case the pure tincture was used externally.

From Project Gutenberg