n. & v.
--n.
1. a small bubble on the skin filled with serum and caused by friction, burning, etc.
2 a similar swelling on any other surface.
3 Med. anything applied to raise a blister.
4 sl. an annoying person.
--v.
1. tr. raise a blister on.
2 intr. come up in a blister or blisters.
3 tr. attack sharply (blistered them with his criticisms).
Phrases and idioms:
blister copper copper which is almost pure. blister gas a poison gas causing blisters on the skin. blister pack a bubble pack.
Derivatives:
blistery adj.
Etymology: ME perh. f. OF blestre, blo(u)stre swelling, pimple