Definition

Noun: 1. A specific medical condition: Giant hives is a term for recurrent episodes of large, well-defined areas of swelling beneath the skin. The swelling appears suddenly and typically resolves completely within 24 hours. This condition is observed primarily in young women and is frequently an allergic response to certain foods or medications. * Note: This is a technical/medical term. In general language, this condition is more commonly known as angioedema.

Usage and Examples

• Medical Context:
  • The patient's history of giant hives after eating shellfish suggests a food allergy.
  • The emergency room doctor diagnosed the sudden facial swelling as a case of giant hives.
  • Her giant hives were a reaction to the new prescription medication.

Advanced Usage

• The term "giant hives" is used almost exclusively in clinical or descriptive medical settings. It is not a common term in everyday conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Angioedema (n): The standard medical term for the condition described as "giant hives."
• Urticaria (n): The medical term for hives (welts on the skin's surface). "Giant hives" (angioedema) involves deeper tissue swelling than urticaria, though they can occur together.
• Allergic reaction (n): A broader term for the immune system response that can cause conditions like giant hives.

Synonyms

• Angioedema (n): The direct synonym and more precise term.
• Quincke's edema (n): Another historical medical term for the same condition.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the sudden onset and rapid resolution (within a day) of the swelling.
• It emphasizes the large size and circumscribed (clearly defined) nature of the swollen areas.
• The mention of it being seen "mainly in young women" is a demographic observation noted in some medical literature, but the condition can affect anyone.

Noun

1. recurrent large circumscribed areas of subcutaneous edema; onset is sudden and it disappears within 24 hours; seen mainly in young women, often as an allergic reaction to food or drugs