ringworm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical/Everyday
Quick answer
What does “ringworm” mean?
A common fungal infection of the skin, causing a circular, red, itchy rash.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common fungal infection of the skin, causing a circular, red, itchy rash.
The term is a misnomer, as the condition is caused by fungi (dermatophytes), not a worm. It can affect skin, scalp, feet (athlete's foot), and groin (jock itch).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical. Both varieties use the term with the same medical/layperson connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties as the standard lay term for the condition.
Grammar
How to Use “ringworm” in a Sentence
[Subject] has ringworm.[Subject] was diagnosed with ringworm.[Treatment] treats ringworm.The [symptom] is caused by ringworm.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ringworm” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The kitten might ringworm the children if not treated.
- [Note: Extremely rare and non-standard as a verb]
American English
- [No standard verb use in AmE]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb use]
American English
- [No standard adverb use]
adjective
British English
- He had a ringworm infection.
- The ringworm lesion was clearly visible.
American English
- She was treated for a ringworm rash.
- They issued a ringworm advisory for the wrestling team.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical and biological texts, though 'tinea' or 'dermatophytosis' are more precise.
Everyday
Common term for discussing the skin condition with family, pharmacists, or in general advice.
Technical
Used, but professionals often specify the type (e.g., tinea corporis, tinea capitis).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ringworm”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ringworm”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ringworm”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'I have a ringworm'). It is usually uncountable: 'I have ringworm.'
- Confusing it with other circular rashes like Lyme disease.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a misnomer. Ringworm is a fungal infection; the name comes from the ring-like shape of the rash.
It is moderately contagious. It can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal, or by touching contaminated objects.
Yes, cats and dogs are common carriers. It's important to have pets checked by a vet if you suspect an infection.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a specific type of ringworm that affects the feet, particularly between the toes.
A common fungal infection of the skin, causing a circular, red, itchy rash.
Ringworm is usually medical/everyday in register.
Ringworm: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪŋwɜːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪŋwɜːrm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none - medical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a WORM wearing a RING on its finger. The ring is red and itchy—just like the ring-shaped rash of ringworm.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE IS AN INVADER (worm).
Practice
Quiz
What is ringworm?