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Hives can be caused by a number of things. It can be a reaction to the piece of food you ate, the new medication you took, or irritants in the air you breathe, among other causes. Urticaria was named in the 18th century for its resemblance to the rash caused by nettle, a plant of the genus Urtica. That genus name reflects the Latin word for "nettle" and is also related to the Latin verb urere, meaning "to burn." (It's easy to see the connection here if you know that many species of nettle have stinging hairs that irritate the skin.)
Examples of urticaria in a Sentence
Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 23 July 2025
My primary care doctor had sent me to an allergy specialist, who was able to give me the correct diagnosis of chronic spontaneous urticaria, or CSU.
—Megan Pregmon, Flow Space, 23 July 2025
Also, prolonged use of ice on your face could lead to frostbite or cold urticaria (hives or swelling in response to cold).
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 22 July 2025
Redness, swelling and intensely itchy wheals – those are the hallmark symptoms of urticaria, commonly known as hives.
—New Atlas, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for urticaria
Cite this Entry
“Urticaria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urticaria. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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