Definition

A painful infection that occurs in the skin around the nail of a finger or toe, often causing swelling and pus.

Example

She had to see a doctor because she developed a whitlow on her finger.

Conversation

I think I might have a whitlow on my finger.

Ouch! That sounds painful. What did you do?

I accidentally bumped it against the table, and now it hurts.

You should see a doctor; they can help with that whitlow.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Whitlow originates from Old English 'hwita' (meaning white) and 'hlaw' (meaning hill or mound). The term refers to a white swelling or sore, typically on a finger or toe, resembling a small hill or bump.

Memory Tip

Think of 'white' ('hwita') to remember that a whitlow is a white swelling or sore on a finger or toe.

Visually Confused Words