Definition

A skin condition characterized by large, round blisters that form on a hard and swollen area of skin.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with ecthyma after examining the painful blisters on her leg.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of ecthyma?

No, what is it?

It's a skin condition with large, round pustules.

That sounds pretty serious — should I be worried?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ecthyma is derived from the Greek word "ekthymma" (meaning to break out or to erupt). The prefix "ek-" (meaning out) combined with "thymma" (meaning to cause to grow or to swell) describes a condition where lesions break out on the skin. Thus, ecthyma refers to a skin condition characterized by the eruption of sores.

Memory Tip

Imagine a skin condition that causes sores to 'break out' ('ek-') and 'swell' ('thymma') — that's what ecthyma means.

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