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Chilblain: meaning, definitions and examples

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chilblain

 

[ ˈʧɪlˌbleɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Chilblains are painful, itchy swellings on the skin that occur when a person is exposed to cold and humidity. They typically affect the fingers, toes, nose, and ears and are commonly seen in winter. The condition occurs as a reaction to cold that damages the small blood vessels in the skin.

Synonyms

frostbite, pernio

Examples of usage

  • She suffered from chilblains due to the cold weather.
  • Chilblains can cause significant discomfort if not properly treated.
  • After a day of skiing, he noticed chilblains on his toes.

Translations

Translations of the word "chilblain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ernia

🇮🇳 चिलब्लेन

🇩🇪 Frostbeule

🇮🇩 kedinginan

🇺🇦 обмороження

🇵🇱 odmrożenie

🇯🇵 凍傷

🇫🇷 engourdissement

🇪🇸 púrpura

🇹🇷 donma

🇰🇷 동상

🇸🇦 صقيع

🇨🇿 omrzlina

🇸🇰 omrzlina

🇨🇳 冻疮

🇸🇮 zmrzal

🇮🇸 frostbiti

🇰🇿 мұздату

🇬🇪 გაყინვა

🇦🇿 donma

🇲🇽 congelación

Word origin

The word 'chilblain' derives from the Old English 'cile' meaning 'cold' and 'blain' meaning 'a blister or sore.' This term has been in use since the early 14th century, reflecting the historical knowledge of how cold conditions affect the human body. Chronic exposure to cold environments led to the identification of this condition, particularly in ill-equipped individuals who lacked proper clothing. Over time, with the advancement of medical understanding and terminology, the term 'chilblain' became standardized in medical literature, linking it directly to its causes and symptoms.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,386, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.