erythema

noun

er·​y·​the·​ma ˌer-ə-ˈthē-mə How to pronounce erythema (audio)
: abnormal redness of the skin or mucous membranes due to capillary congestion (as in inflammation)

Examples of erythema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My skincare regimen would need to treat immediate inflammation and get a long-term treatment plan underway to resolve what would become lingering discoloration, or post-inflammatory erythema (P.I.E.), on my complexion. — Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Hives are usually surrounded by erythema or skin flushing that can last from a few minutes up to 24 hours.2 Erythema is when blood flows to the surface blood vessels or capillaries, resulting in temporary skin discoloration. — Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek erythēma, from erythainein to redden, from erythros

First Known Use

circa 1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of erythema was circa 1783

Phrases Containing erythema

Browse Nearby Words

erythea
erythema
erythema migrans
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Erythema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erythema. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

erythema

noun
er·​y·​the·​ma ˌer-ə-ˈthē-mə How to pronounce erythema (audio)
: abnormal redness of the skin or mucous membranes due to capillary congestion (as in inflammation)

More from Merriam-Webster on erythema

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about erythema

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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