Boils are a common skin condition that can be painful and uncomfortable. They are characterized by a red, swollen bump on the skin that is filled with pus. Boils can occur anywhere on the body and can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial infections, ingrown hairs, and clogged sweat glands.
Definitions
A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin.
Origin
The word boil comes from the Old English word bȳle, which means a swelling or a sore. The word has been used to describe skin infections since the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a boil is “a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a boil as “a painful, inflamed swelling on the skin, typically caused by an infection of a hair follicle or sweat gland.”
Associations
Boils are often associated with poor hygiene, but they can occur in anyone. They are more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
Synonyms
Synonyms for boils include abscess, pimple, carbuncle, and furuncle.
Antonyms
Antonyms for boils include healing, recovery, and wellness.
The same root words
The word boil is derived from the Old English word bȳle, which means a swelling or a sore. Other words with the same root include biliary, which relates to the bile ducts in the liver, and bilious, which describes someone who is irritable or ill-tempered.
Example Sentences
- John developed a painful boil on his neck after shaving.
- The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the boil on Sarah’s arm.
- The boil on Tom’s leg was so large that he had to have it drained by a medical professional.
- Mary’s son had a recurring boil on his buttocks that required multiple treatments.
- After applying a warm compress to the boil, it finally burst and began to heal.