~ 1 [ wi:l ]
(also chiefly Medicine wheal )
■ noun a red, swollen mark left on flesh by a blow or pressure.
↘ Medicine a temporarily raised and reddened area of skin, usually accompanied by itching.
■ verb mark with a ~.
Origin
C19: var. of wale , influenced by obs. wheal 'suppurate'.
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~ 2 [ wi:l ]
■ noun formal that which is best for someone or something: guardians of the public ~.
Origin
OE wela '~th, well-being', of W. Gmc origin; related to well 1 .