chilblain: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Medical
Quick answer
What does “chilblain” mean?
A painful, itchy swelling on the skin, typically on fingers or toes, caused by poor circulation in cold damp weather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A painful, itchy swelling on the skin, typically on fingers or toes, caused by poor circulation in cold damp weather.
Used historically or figuratively to refer to any ailment or discomfort arising from exposure to cold.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in American English but is far more commonly used and recognized in British English.
Connotations
In British English, it conveys a specific, somewhat old-fashioned, winter ailment. In American English, it may sound archaic or literary.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in UK English; rarely encountered in everyday US English, where 'frostnip' or simply 'irritation from the cold' might be used.
Grammar
How to Use “chilblain” in a Sentence
[Person] has/suffers from/get(s) chilblains[Condition] causes/leads to chilblains[Treatment] soothes/prevents chilblainsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chilblain” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Her fingers were so badly chilblained she couldn't button her coat.
American English
- (Rare) After the hike, his toes were chilblained from the wet snow.
adjective
British English
- She applied cream to her chilblained feet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Found in historical texts or medical discussions of dermatology.
Everyday
Used in UK, especially by older generations, to describe a common winter complaint.
Technical
Used in medical contexts; the formal term is 'perniosis'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chilblain”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chilblain”
- Misspelling as 'chillblain'.
- Using as a singular verb ('My toe chilblained').
- Confusing with 'frostbite'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is relatively common in British English, especially among older speakers or in historical contexts. It is rare in modern American English.
Yes, but it's very rare and considered non-standard by some. The participial adjective 'chilblained' is more attested (e.g., 'chilblained fingers').
Chilblains are itchy, painful swellings without blistering or deep tissue damage, caused by repeated exposure to damp cold above freezing. Frostbite involves the actual freezing of tissue and is far more serious.
Treatment involves gently rewarming the area, keeping it dry and warm, and using soothing lotions. It is important not to scratch or apply direct heat.
A painful, itchy swelling on the skin, typically on fingers or toes, caused by poor circulation in cold damp weather.
Chilblain is usually formal/medical in register.
Chilblain: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪlbleɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪlˌbleɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Aching like chilblains”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHILL + BLAIN: A BLAIN (sore/swelling) caused by the CHILL.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLD IS AN AGGRESSOR (attacking the extremities).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of chilblains?