Urticaria
/ˌɜːr.tɪˈkɛə.ri.ə/noun
A skin condition characterized by red, itchy welts or hives.
Did you know?The term 'urticaria' is derived from the Latin 'urtica', meaning 'nettle', as the rash can feel like the burning sensation caused by nettles.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ūrd-
“to burn or sting”
Latin
Latin
urtica
“nettle, a plant known for its stinging properties”
Late Latin
Late Latin
urticaria
“a condition related to nettles, specifically skin irritation or rash”
Middle English
Middle English
urticaria
“the borrowing of the Late Latin term, referring to a skin rash resembling nettle stings”
Modern English
English
urticaria
“the medical term for hives, maintaining the connection to nettles and their stinging characteristics”
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