ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hives

n. plural-only
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhaɪvz// UK //hˈaɪvz// hives

n. itchy, red bumps that appear on your skin, usually because of an allergy. They can show up suddenly and often go away within a day.

n. a skin rash characterized by itchy, raised welts, typically caused by an allergic reaction to food, medicine, or environmental triggers. Often referred to as urticaria in medical contexts.


SIMPLE

I broke out in hives after eating those strawberries.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor confirmed that the itchy red patches on her arms were hives caused by a new laundry detergent.

COMPLEX

While most cases of hives are acute and resolve quickly with antihistamines, chronic cases can persist for weeks and require a thorough investigation into potential autoimmune triggers.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Uncertain, but frequently connected with heave, even if such a derivation is phonologically difficult.

Etymology 2

See hive

Usage

Pluralia tantum in common usage; takes a plural verb agreement.

Pitfall

I have a hive on my armI have hives on my armThe word is almost always used in the plural form 'hives' to describe the condition, even if referring to a single area of irritation.

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