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urticaire

hives

noun oor-tee-KAIR Rare
Body & Health Health & Illness

Origin: from Latin urtica, 'nettle'

Usage Note

Urticaire is the medical term for hives (urticaria) — the itchy, raised skin welts triggered by allergies or irritants. Despite ending in -e, it is a feminine noun (une urticaire). The phrase donner de l'urticaire à quelqu'un is a vivid idiom meaning 'to give someone the creeps' or 'to irritate someone intensely.'

Examples

"Elle a eu de l'urticaire après avoir mangé des fraises."

Natural Translation

She broke out in hives after eating strawberries.

Literal Translation

She has had some hives after having eaten some strawberries.

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