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chilblain

noun
chil·​blain | \ ˈchil-ˌblān How to pronounce chilblain (audio) \

Definition of chilblain

: an inflammatory swelling or sore caused by exposure (as of the feet or hands) to cold
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about chilblain

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Did You Know?

Given that chilblains are caused by exposure to cold conditions, it may not surprise you to know that the first element of this word comes from the noun "chill." The second element, "blain," may be less familiar, though the word blain ("an inflammatory swelling or sore") is still used by English speakers. Both elements of "chilblain" have Anglo-Saxon roots. "Chill" comes from Old English "ciele" ("frost" or "chill"), which is akin to "ceald," an Old English ancestor of the modern "cold." "Blain" comes from Old English "blegen" (same meaning as "blain"). These two words were first brought together (as the compound "chyll blayne") in the 1500s.

Examples of chilblain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 While drawing blast furnaces, coal tipples, coke ovens and other industrial structures, the 41-year-old artist suffered chilblains, a condition that causes hands and feet to itch and turn red or blue. — Marylynne Pitz, The Seattle Times, "Artist’s wintry muse was Pennsylvania industrial landscape," 25 Dec. 2017 Seri is said to have a medical issue which gives him chilblains (painful skin inflammation) in cold weather, and is averse to moving to a cold country. — SI.com, "Nice Chairman Has No Issue Selling Liverpool Target as Long as Buy-Out Clause Is Met," 15 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of chilblain

1547, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for chilblain

chill entry 1

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More Definitions for chilblain

chilblain

noun
How to pronounce chilblain (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of chilblain

: a red and painful swollen area on the feet, hands, etc., that is caused by being exposed to cold

See the full definition for chilblain in the English Language Learners Dictionary

chilblain

noun
chil·​blain | \ ˈchil-ˌblān How to pronounce chilblain (audio) \

Kids Definition of chilblain

: a red swollen itchy condition caused by cold that occurs especially on the hands or feet

chilblain

noun
chil·​blain | \ ˈchil-ˌblān How to pronounce chilblain (audio) \

Medical Definition of chilblain

: an inflammatory swelling or sore caused by exposure (as of the feet or hands) to cold

— called also pernio

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