wheal

noun

ˈ(h)wēl 

: a suddenly formed elevation of the skin surface : welt

especially : a flat burning or itching eminence on the skin

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Why does a wheal develop after the monkeypox vaccine? —Maggie O'neill, SELF, 26 Aug. 2022

The wheal was big enough that many allergists might have simply diagnosed it as a peanut allergy. —Alice Callahan, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

alteration of wale entry 1

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

wheal

noun

ˈhwē(ə)l  ˈwē(ə)l 

: a suddenly formed elevation of the skin surface: as

a

: welt

especially : a flat burning or itching eminence on the skin

b

: the transient lump occurring at the site of injection of a solution before the solution is normally dispersed