ETYM Old Eng. werte, AS. wearte; akin to Dutch wrat, German warze, Old High Germ. warza, Icel. varta, Swed. varta, Dan. vorte; perh. orig., a growth, and akin to Eng. wort; or cf. Latin verruca wart.
Protuberance composed of a local overgrowth of skin. The common wart (verruca vulgaris) is due to a virus infection. It usually disappears spontaneously within two years, but can be treated with peeling applications, burning away (cautery), or freezing (cryosurgery).
1. Any small rounded protuberance (as on certain plants or animals).
2. (Pathology) A firm abnormal elevated blemish on the skin; caused by a virus; SYN. verruca.