wheal
wheal · wheals
A small raised swelling on the skin, often itchy, caused by a blow from a whip or an…A small raised swelling on the skin, often itchy, caused by a blow from a whip or an insect bite etc.
/wiːl/
Meaning
2 sensesA small raised swelling on the skin, often itchy, caused by a blow from a whip or an insect bite etc.
a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions
(Australia, Cornwall, South)A mine.
Origin
From Middle English whele (“boil”), from Old English *hwele (“boil”); related to Old EngliFrom Middle English whele (“boil”), from Old English *hwele (“boil”); related to Old English hwelian (“to fester, ulcerate”). Compare also Old English hwelca, hwylca (“an inflamed swelling, pustule”).
Borrowed from Cornish hwel.
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Forms
plural: whealsSynonyms
3 synonymsWord family
1 related wordsDerivedwheal-worm