noun
shingles
SHIHNG-guhlz
noun
1
A painful viral infection causing a blistering rash, caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
"She was put on antiviral medication to treat her shingles."
How to Use Shingles
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA painful skin condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, which can reactivate later in life.
Common mistake
Not related to roof shingles, despite the identical spelling.
When to use it
A medical term, always used with a singular verb despite the "-s" ending.
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She was put on antiviral medication to treat her _____.
Etymology
From Latin cingulum ("girdle" or "belt"), referring to the way the rash often wraps around the torso.