Definition of wart

The origin of the word "wart" can be traced back to the Old English language, where it was spelled "weort" or "werht." The original meaning of the word was not necessarily related to the skin blemishes we know today. Instead, "weort" referred to any small, raised lump or growth, and it could have applied to a variety of things, such as a bump on an animal's body or a lump of soil or rock. Over time, the meaning of "weort" evolved to specifically refer to the unsightly and often harmless bumps that develop on human skin. The word "wart" came into use in Middle English, likely as a shorter and simpler variation of "weort." The exact origin of the word "wart" is somewhat unclear, as scholars dispute whether it comes from the Old English "weort" or from a Germanic word related to the Old Norse "vort" or the Old High German "worz" and "wurtz," both of which mean "grain" or "seeding." Regardless of its origins, the word "wart" has been used to describe the small, rough skin growths that appear in various parts of the body, often on the hands and feet, for several centuries. Nowadays, warts are typically treated with over-the-counter medications, freezing, or laser therapy, as they are generally harmless but unsightly.