urtication

U1R1T1I1C3A1T1I1O1N1

noun

The development of urticaria (hives).

Similar
urticariahivesnettle rash
OriginLatin urtīca →
Scrabble 12
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Meanings

nounurtication (countable and uncountable, plural urtications)

plural urtications

  1. countableuncountablemedicineThe development of urticaria (hives).
  2. countableuncountableThe sensation of being stung by nettles.
  3. countableuncountablemedicineBeating the skin with nettles (formerly used to treat paralysis).

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

    1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 240

Synonyms & antonyms

nounan 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

Similar
urticariahivesnettle rash
Broader
rashroseolaefflorescencehypersensitivity reaction
Also see
hivesurticaria

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Origin

  1. Latinurtīca“nettle”
  2. Englishurtication

Ultimately from Latin urtīca (“nettle”).

More words from Latin

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

urtication. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/urtication

MLA

“urtication.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/urtication. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “urtication,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/urtication.

Source: urtication on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.