an allergic skin condition characterized by itching, burning, stinging, and the formation of smooth patches, or wheals, usually red; urticaria
See hives in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(hīvz)
plural noun(used with a sing. or pl. verb)
A skin condition characterized by intensely itching welts and caused by an allergic reaction to internal or external agents, an infection, or a nervous condition. Also called nettle rash, urticaria.