Advertisement - Continue reading below

Definition of "chilblain" [chil•blain]

  • An inflammation followed by itchy irritation on the hands, feet, or ears, resulting from exposure to moist cold. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "chilblain" in a sentence
  • "DESCRIPTION: A chilblain is the swelling and inflammation of body tissue as a result of exposure to cold temperatures."
  • "It is not easy to believe that others are more successful, but the popular renown of the specific survives in spite of all, probably thanks to a simple accident of identity between the name of the remedy and that of the infirmity: the Provençal for "chilblain" is _tigno_."
  • "(_c_) Frequently the whole foot is like a big "chilblain" and is very hot, red and swollen."