whitlow
noun
whit·low
ˈ(h)wit-(ˌ)lō 
1
: an infection of the finger and especially the fingertip that is typically caused by infection of a virus (such as the herpes simplex virus) and is marked by redness, tenderness, and fluid-filled blisters
Dictionary Entries Near whitlow
Cite this Entry
“Whitlow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitlow. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
whitlow
noun
whit·low
ˈhwit-ˌlō
ˈwit-
: a deep inflammation of a finger or toe usually with pus and located especially near the end or around the nail
Medical Definition
whitlow
noun
whit·low
ˈhwit-(ˌ)lō, ˈwit-
1
: an infection of the finger and especially the fingertip that is typically caused by infection of a virus (as the herpes simplex virus) and is marked by redness, tenderness, and fluid-filled blisters
It is important to distinguish herpetic whitlow from bacterial felon or paronychia, as herpetic whitlow is a self-limited infection for which surgical incision is not indicated.—
H. M. Feder, Jr. and S. S. Long, American Journal of Diseases of Children
H. M. Feder, Jr. and S. S. Long, American Journal of Diseases of Children2
: felon
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share