Definition of WHITLOW

whitlow

Plural: whitlows

Noun

  • An inflammation, especially a pus-filled one, on a finger or toe.
  • a purulent infection at the end of a finger or toe in the area surrounding the nail
  • An infection near or under the cuticle of a fingernail or toenail.

Examples

  • Finding WHITLOW on his rack was a rare and painful-sounding bingo opportunity.

Origin / Etymology

Late Middle English, alteration of whitflaw, the first element coming from either Middle Dutch vijt or Low German fit (“abscess”), borrowed from Latin fīcus (“fig-shaped (ulcer)”), though also influenced by white. The Latin loan also existed in other languages, such as Old English fic (“hemorrhoids”). See flaw.

Scrabble Score: 16

whitlow: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
whitlow: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
whitlow: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

whitlow: valid Words With Friends Word