wart

wart

noun \ˈwȯrt\

Definition of WART

1

a : a horny projection on the skin usually of the extremities produced by proliferation of the skin papillae and caused by any of numerous human papillomaviruses —called also verruca vulgaris

b : any of numerous similar skin lesions not caused by viruses

2

: an excrescence or protuberance resembling a true wart; especially : a glandular excrescence or hardened protuberance on a plant

3

a : one that suggests a wart especially in smallness, unpleasantness, or unattractiveness

b : defect, imperfection —often used in the phrase warts and all

— wart·ed \ˈwȯr-təd\ adjective

— wart·less \ˈwȯrt-ləs\ adjective

— warty \ˈwȯr-tē\ adjective

Origin of WART

Middle English, from Old English wearte; akin to Old High German warza wart, Old Church Slavic vrědŭ injury

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with WART

bort, court, fort, forte, mort, ort, port, Porte, quart, short, skort, snort, sort, sport, swart, thwart, tort, torte, wort

wart

noun \ˈwȯ(ə)rt\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of WART

1

: a horny projection on the skin usually of the extremities produced by proliferation of the skin papillae and caused by any of numerous genotypes of the human papillomavirus—see flat wart, genital wart, plantar wart, verruca vulgaris

2

: any of numerous warty skin lesions not caused by human papillomaviruses

wart

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Well-defined growth on the skin, usually caused by a papillomavirus, which triggers overproduction of epidermal cells. This may lead to a single long-standing wart, profuse local spread (especially in moist areas), or warts in various parts of the body. The most common type is a round bump with a dry, rough surface. Warts are usually painless except in pressure areas, such as the sole of the foot (plantar wart). Genital warts are merely a nuisance unless they become large or numerous enough to interfere with urination, defecation, or childbirth, but some viral strains are associated with cervical cancer. Warts are considered contagious. They may be removed by applying acids, cryotherapy, electrocautery, or surgery; they sometimes disappear spontaneously.

Variants of WART

wart or verruca