noun

erysipelas

er-ih-SIP-uh-luhs

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Erysipelas (noun) means an acute skin infection caused by streptococcus bacteria, causing fever and raised, red, swollen patches on the skin. Example: “The doctor diagnosed erysipelas after seeing the raised red patch on his leg.”

noun

medical An acute skin infection caused by streptococcus bacteria, causing fever and raised, red, swollen patches on the skin.

"The doctor diagnosed erysipelas after seeing the raised red patch on his leg."

"His erysipelas returned twice within a year despite treatment."

"She was given antibiotics to treat the erysipelas on her cheek."

How to use erysipelas

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA bacterial skin infection that causes fever and red, swollen patches.

When to use it

This is a formal medical term, used mainly by doctors and in clinical writing.

Memory tip

Say it in four parts, er-ih-SIP-uh-luhs, with the stress on the third syllable.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

case of erysipelas erysipelas on the skin recurrent erysipelas

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The doctor diagnosed _____ after seeing the raised red patch on his leg.

Etymology

The word passed through Middle English erisipila from Latin erysipelas, which itself came from Ancient Greek. The Greek term is thought to be connected to words for red and for the sole of the foot.

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What is erysipelas?

It is an acute skin infection caused by streptococcus bacteria, producing fever and raised red patches on the skin.

What causes erysipelas?

It is caused by infection with streptococcus bacteria, which leads to fever and raised, red, swollen patches on the skin.

Where does the word erysipelas come from?

It comes from Latin, which took it from Ancient Greek, a term likely linked to the words for red and for the sole of the foot.

What is the meaning of erysipelas?

"erysipelas" (noun) means an acute skin infection caused by streptococcus bacteria, causing fever and raised, red, swollen patches on the skin.