a contagious bacterial skin disease characterized by the formation of pustules that develop into yellowish crusty sores
Derived forms
impetiginous (ˌɪmpɪˈtɪdʒɪnəs)
adjective
Word origin
C16: from Latin: scabby eruption, from impetere to assail; see impetus; for form, compare vertigo
impetigo in American English
(ˌɪmpəˈtaɪgoʊ)
noun
any of certain skin diseases characterized by the eruption of pustules, esp., a contagiousdisease of this kind, caused by staphylococci and streptococci
Derived forms
impetiginous (ˌimpeˈtiginous) (ˌɪmpəˈtɪdʒənəs)
adjective
Word origin
L < impetere, to attack: see impetus
Examples of 'impetigo' in a sentence
impetigo
You are suffering from impetigo, a skin infection caused by either the staphylococcus or streptococcus bacterium.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
If the skin is broken the bacteria can penetrate and lead to boils, impetigo and other skin infections.
The Sun (2008)
Non-bullous impetigo is most common and affects skin around the nose and mouth, causing sores that leave a yellow crust.