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plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: an allergic disorder marked by raised edematous patches of skin or mucous membrane and usually intense itching and caused by contact with a specific precipitating factor (such as a food, drug, or inhalant) either externally or internally
called also urticaria
Examples of hives in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even laundry detergents can wreak havoc, causing dry patches, hives, breakouts, or itchy skin.
—Zoë Hannah, Popular Mechanics, 1 Feb. 2023
In addition, some people may experience allergic reactions to maca, including skin rash, hives, and difficulty breathing.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2023
Food allergies can cause digestive problems, hives, swelling, rashes, and even anaphylaxis.
—Erica Sweeney, Men's Health, 5 Jan. 2023
Now, for the final and most important verdict: does this product make my chest and back break out in hives, redness, rashes, pimples, etc.?
—Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 24 Dec. 2022
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Word History
Etymology
origin unknown
First Known Use
circa 1500, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hives
Cite this Entry
“Hives.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hives. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
hives
singular or plural noun
: an allergic condition in which the skin or mucous membrane breaks out in large red itching patches
Medical Definition
hives
noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: an allergic disorder marked by raised edematous red patches of skin or mucous membrane and usually by intense itching and caused by contact with a specific precipitating factor (as a food, drug, or inhalant) either externally or internally
called also urticaria
More from Merriam-Webster on hives
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hives
Nglish: Translation of hives for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of hives for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hives
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