THE FIRST WORD

angioedema
Angioedema is a swelling that is somewhat like hives, but it takes place under the skin instead of on the surface; it can be hereditary or the result of an allergic reaction and can cause suffocation and other problems.

The "angio" of angioedema comes from a Greek word meaning "box"; the "edema" comes from a Greek root meaning "to swell." The technical term for hives is "urticaria," which comes from a Latin word meaning "nettle."