blister

 
Pronunciation: /ˈblɪstə/

noun

  • 1a small bubble on the skin filled with serum and caused by friction, burning, or other damage: his heels were covered in blisters
  • a swelling filled with air or fluid on the surface of a plant, heated metal, painted wood, etc.: check for cracks and blisters in sheet roofing felt
  • Medicine, chiefly historical a preparation applied to the skin to form a blister.
  • 2British informal, dated an annoying person: the child is a disgusting little blister

verb

[no object]
  • form blisters on the skin or other surface: the surface of the door began to blister (as adjective blistered) he had blistered feet
  • [with object] cause blisters to form on the surface of: a caustic liquid which blisters the skin

Origin:

Middle English: perhaps from Old French blestre 'swelling, pimple'