whitlow

noun whit·low \ ˈhwit-(ˌ)lō , ˈwit- \

Definition of whitlow

1 : an infection of the finger and especially the fingertip that is typically caused by infection of a virus (such as the herpes simplex virus) and is marked by redness, tenderness, and fluid-filled blisters

2 : ¹felon 3

See whitlow defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of whitlow

Middle English whitflawe, whitflowe, whitlowe

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

whitlow

noun whit·low \ ˈhwit-(ˌ)lō, ˈwit- \

medical Definition of whitlow

1 : an infection of the finger and especially the fingertip that is typically caused by infection of a virus (as the herpes simplex virus) and is marked by redness, tenderness, and fluid-filled blisters

It is important to distinguish herpetic whitlow from bacterial felon or paronychia, as herpetic whitlow is a self-limited infection for which surgical incision is not indicated.
—H. M. Feder, Jr. and S. S. Long, American Journal of Diseases of Children, September 1983