hives

hives  (hvz)

pl.n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb)

A skin condition characterized by intensely itching welts and caused by an allergic reaction to internal or external agents, an infection, or a nervous condition. Also called nettle rash, urticaria.

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[Origin unknown.]

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hives

Noun

Pathol an allergic reaction in which itchy red or whitish raised patches develop on the skin [origin unknown]

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hives  (hvz)

A skin condition characterized by transient, itching welts, usually resulting from an allergic reaction.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

hives - 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 nettle rash, urticaria, urtication rash, roseola, skin rash, efflorescence - any red eruption of the skin hypersensitivity reaction - an inappropriate and excessive reaction to an allergen (as pollen or dust or animal hair or certain foods); severity ranges from mild allergy to severe systemic reactions leading to anaphylactic shock