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ringworm
noun
ring·worm
ˈriŋ-ˌwərm
: any of several contagious fungal diseases of the skin, hair, or nails of humans and domestic animals that are characterized by ring-shaped discolored skin patches covered with vesicles and scales
Examples of ringworm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Wash any fabric items that have been in contact with someone suffering from lice, poison ivy or oak, pinkeye, ringworm, etc. frequently in hot water to prevent them from spreading or causing reinfection.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2024
Most cases of beard ringworm require prescription antifungal medicine and an individualized treatment plan.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
Additional concerns from reusing towels are skin irritation that can cause eczema or atopic dermatitis flare-ups, fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm, infectious diseases like conjunctivitis (pink eye), norovirus, staph (MRSA), and the spread of E.coli and allergens.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2024
In addition to animals instead of after-school activities, there is also a ringworm outbreak at Abbott Elementary, sending the teachers and faculty into panic mode.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ringworm
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Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of ringworm was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near ringworm
Cite this Entry
“Ringworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringworm. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
ringworm
noun
ring·worm
ˈriŋ-ˌwərm
: a contagious skin disease caused by fungi and marked by ring-shaped discolored patches
Medical Definition
ringworm
noun
ring·worm
ˈriŋ-ˌwərm
: any of several contagious diseases of the skin, hair, or nails of humans and domestic animals caused by fungi (as of the genus Trichophyton) and characterized by ring-shaped discolored patches on the skin that are covered with vesicles and scales
called also tinea
More from Merriam-Webster on ringworm
Nglish: Translation of ringworm for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of ringworm for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ringworm
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