impetigo

noun

im·​pe·​ti·​go ˌim-pə-ˈtē-(ˌ)gō How to pronounce impetigo (audio) -ˈtī- How to pronounce impetigo (audio)
: an acute contagious staphylococcal or streptococcal skin disease characterized by vesicles, pustules, and yellowish crusts

Examples of impetigo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Streptococcus pyogenes, a spherical bacteria that typically grows in long chains, can cause minor infections like impetigo to potentially deadly diseases like streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Discover Magazine, 29 June 2010 Group A strep infections typically cause mild infections such as strep throat, scarlet fever, and the skin infection impetigo, which are effectively treated with antibiotics. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 Dec. 2022 Bacterial infections such as impetigo, which occur on areas of previous injury such as eczema or open wounds, can cause redness, inflammation and raised bumps. Dr. Erynne Bowers, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2022 After all, plenty of skin rashes spread through touch, like the kind impetigo can cause. Korin Mille, SELF, 1 Sep. 2021 Children with eczema are more prone to getting impetigo. Jessica Grose, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2020 Laila contracted pneumonia and impetigo, a skin infection that causes red sores on the face, hands and feet. Dallas News, 21 July 2019 Like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus can cause impetigo. Korin Miller, SELF, 23 Feb. 2019 Between the sores and the crust, the two types of impetigo have a lot of grossness in common. Korin Miller, SELF, 23 Feb. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impetigo.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from impetere to attack — more at impetus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impetigo was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near impetigo

Cite this Entry

“Impetigo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impetigo. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impetigo

noun
im·​pe·​ti·​go ˌim-pə-ˈtē-gō How to pronounce impetigo (audio) -ˈtī- How to pronounce impetigo (audio)
: a contagious skin disease marked by pimples, blisters, and yellowish crusts

Medical Definition

impetigo

noun
im·​pe·​ti·​go ˌim-pə-ˈtē-(ˌ)gō How to pronounce impetigo (audio) -ˈtī- How to pronounce impetigo (audio)
: an acute contagious staphylococcal or streptococcal skin disease characterized by vesicles, pustules, and yellowish crusts

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