: a noncontagious cutaneous eruption of red pimples with intense itching and tingling caused by inflammation around the sweat ducts
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebHeat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, happens when sweat is trapped in the skin, causing small blisters and lumps to form, the Mayo Clinic explains. Korin Miller, SELF, 10 Aug. 2022 The girl was filthy, blistered by prickly heat and bitten by ants, her ankles chafed by chains attached to an iron stake. Sam Roberts, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2017
Word History
First Known Use
1736, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
prickly heat
noun
prick·ly heat ˈprik-lē-
: a noncontagious cutaneous eruption of red pimples with intense itching and tingling caused by inflammation around the sweat ducts