wheal

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions

Etymology

From 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”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

wale, welt, weal

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