noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   The development of urticaria (hives). countable, uncountable
2. 2
   a sensation of having been stung by nettles wordnet
3. 3
   The sensation of being stung by nettles. countable, uncountable
4. 4
   an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well-defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs wordnet
5. 5
   Beating the skin with nettles (formerly used to treat paralysis). countable, uncountable

   "The Romans had frequent recourse to urtication to arouse the sexual appetite."

Synonyms

All synonyms

burnburningbuzzfirehivesnettle rash

Example

More examples

"The Romans had frequent recourse to urtication to arouse the sexual appetite."

Etymology

Ultimately from Latin urtīca (“nettle”).

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.