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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
Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025
Types of Drug Rashes and How to Identify Them
A drug rash, or a skin reaction to a drug, can appear as discoloration, bumps, blisters, urticaria (hives), itching, or peeling of the skin.
—Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria People 65 years of age and older should consult with a healthcare provider before using OTC Zyrtec.
—T'keyah Bazin, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2025
Hives, clinically known as urticaria, are bumps or welts that often develop due to an allergic reaction.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Feb. 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 5 Jul. 2025.
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