hives
/haivz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A skin condition: "hives" refers to an itchy skin eruption characterized by raised, red welts (weals) with pale centers and distinct red edges. It is typically caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as insect bites, certain foods, or medications.
- The condition itself: The term is used as a singular concept to name the medical condition, though it is grammatically plural in form.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Eating strawberries gave me an outbreak of hives. (Consuming strawberries caused me to develop the skin condition hives.)
- The doctor diagnosed the itchy red welts as hives caused by a new medication. (The doctor identified the itchy red bumps as the allergic skin reaction hives.)
- She takes antihistamines to control her chronic hives. (She uses allergy medication to manage her ongoing skin condition.)
Advanced Usage
- "to break out in hives": to suddenly develop the symptoms of this skin condition.
- He breaks out in hives whenever he is near cats. (He suddenly gets an itchy rash whenever he is close to cats.)
Variants and Related Words
- Urticaria (n): The formal medical term for the condition commonly called hives.
- The patient was treated for acute urticaria. (The patient received treatment for a sudden case of hives.)
- Nettle rash (n): An older or informal term sometimes used for hives, suggesting a similarity to the rash caused by stinging nettles.
- Wheal (n): The individual raised, itchy bump on the skin that is characteristic of hives.
Synonyms
- Urticaria: The clinical synonym for hives.
- Nettle rash: An informal synonym.
Related Phrases
- Hive-like: Resembling the appearance of hives.
- The reaction caused a hive-like rash on her arms. (The reaction produced a rash similar to hives on her arms.)
Related Idioms
Noun
- an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well-defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs