blister

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a flaw on a surface resulting when an applied substance does not adhere (as an air bubble in a coat of paint)
  2. noun (botany) a swelling on a plant similar to that on the skin
  3. noun (pathology) an elevation of the skin filled with serous fluid

Etymology

From Middle English blister, from Old French blestre, from a Germanic source. Compare Middle Dutch blyster (“swelling”), Old Norse blastr (“a blowing”).

In classic literature

A single word — an entire dictionary opens.

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning

Continue reading