tetter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObsoleteArchaic, Literary, Medical (historical)
Quick answer
What does “tetter” mean?
A general, often obsolete, term for various inflammatory skin diseases causing eruptions, itching, or scaling, such as eczema, ringworm, or psoriasis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A general, often obsolete, term for various inflammatory skin diseases causing eruptions, itching, or scaling, such as eczema, ringworm, or psoriasis.
In figurative or archaic use, anything that causes persistent, irritating trouble or corruption.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, as the term is equally archaic and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of old-fashioned or biblical language, and often suggests something unpleasant, chronic, and difficult to cure.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both regions, slightly more likely to be found in British historical literature due to its appearance in older translations (e.g., Shakespeare, the King James Bible).
Grammar
How to Use “tetter” in a Sentence
to be afflicted with tetterto suffer from tettera tetter of [body part]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tetter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Archaic/Obsolete] His skin was tettered with a foul eruption.
American English
- [Archaic/Obsolete] The disease tettered her hands, making them rough and scaly.
adjective
British English
- [Archaic/Obsolete] He presented with a tettered scalp.
American English
- [Archaic/Obsolete] The tettered condition was chronic and widespread.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical studies of medicine or literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would cause confusion.
Technical
Not used in modern dermatology; only of historical interest.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tetter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tetter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tetter”
- Using it in modern conversation or writing.
- Confusing it with 'tether' (to tie).
- Assuming it refers to one specific, well-known condition.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is an archaic term. You should learn specific modern medical terms like 'eczema,' 'psoriasis,' or 'rash' instead.
Dictionaries record the historical lexicon of English to aid in understanding older literature, such as the works of Shakespeare or the King James Bible.
Historically, 'tetter' most often corresponded to what we now call eczema, particularly a chronic, itchy form. 'Ringworm' and 'psoriasis' were also included under this vague term.
Not a perfect one. Its closest modern equivalent in general usage is 'rash' or 'skin eruption,' but these lack the archaic, chronic, and often severe connotations of 'tetter.'
A general, often obsolete, term for various inflammatory skin diseases causing eruptions, itching, or scaling, such as eczema, ringworm, or psoriasis.
Tetter is usually archaic, literary, medical (historical) in register.
Tetter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Archaic] 'The tetter of jealousy' (figurative use).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of something that TETHERS you with irritation → TETTER is an irritating skin condition.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE IS A BURDEN/BINDING (archaic: 'bound by tetter'), CORRUPTION IS A SKIN DISEASE (figurative).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'tetter' MOST likely to be found today?