noun

urticaria

ur-tih-KAIR-ee-uh

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Urticaria (noun) means a skin condition in which itchy, raised, red patches appear suddenly, often as a reaction to an allergen. Example: “The doctor said the rash was urticaria brought on by a food allergy.”

noun

medical A skin condition in which itchy, raised, red patches appear suddenly, often as a reaction to an allergen.

"The doctor said the rash was urticaria brought on by a food allergy."

"Her skin broke out in urticaria after she was stung by nettles."

"Stress can sometimes trigger a bout of urticaria."

How to use urticaria

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe medical name for a sudden itchy, red rash, also called hives.

When to use it

Urticaria is the clinical term used by doctors, while hives is the everyday word for the same thing.

Memory tip

Say ur-tih-KAIR-ee-uh, stressing the third syllable, and remember it shares its root with urtica, the nettle plant.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a bout of urticaria chronic urticaria break out in urticaria urticaria flare-up

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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”.

Test yourself on “urticaria” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The doctor said the rash was _____ brought on by a food allergy.

Etymology

Urticaria was borrowed from New Latin, built on the Latin word urtica, meaning nettle, with the ending -aria added. The name reflects how the rash resembles the stinging welts left by nettles.

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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hives nettle-rash urtication

Related words

hives

Rhymes for urticaria

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia Zambia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia

See all rhymes for urticaria →

Frequently asked questions

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is a skin condition where itchy, red, swollen patches appear quickly, often triggered by an allergen.

Is urticaria the same as hives?

Yes, hives is the common English name for the same condition that doctors call urticaria.

What causes urticaria?

It can appear in response to an allergen or other conditions, causing the skin to swell and itch.

What is the meaning of urticaria?

"urticaria" (noun) means a skin condition in which itchy, raised, red patches appear suddenly, often as a reaction to an allergen.

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