urticant
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈɜːrtɪkənt/
KK: /ˈɜːrtɪkənt/
adjective
Definition
Causing a sensation of itching or stinging on the skin.
Example
The urticant substance in the plant caused a rash on my arm.
Conversation
I got stung by a plant while hiking yesterday.
Ouch! Was it one of those urticant ones?
Yeah, it was so irritating and left me itching for hours.
That sounds terrible! I always avoid those plants.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
itchy
stinging
prickly
Antonyms
soothing
calming
relieving
noun
Definition
A substance that causes a feeling of itching or stinging on the skin.
Example
The urticant in the plant made my skin itch after I touched it.
Conversation
Have you ever been stung by something that felt like an urticant?
Yeah, I remember getting stung by a jellyfish once.
That sounds painful! I’ve heard their sting is a strong urticant too.
Root Explanation
Urticant is derived from "urtica" (meaning nettle) and the suffix "-ant" (meaning causing or performing). The word refers to something that causes a stinging or nettle-like sensation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'urtica' which means nettle, and remember that 'urticant' refers to something that causes a stinging sensation like a nettle.
Visually Confused Words
lubricant
urinant
outcant
furiant