n. [ L., fr. Gr. 'erysi`pelas; 'eryqro`s red + pe`lla hide, skin. See Red, and Pell, n. ] (Med.) a usually self-limiting cellulitis of the hand somewhat resembling erysipelas, caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. It may start at the site of a wound obtained while handling meat or fish, and may occasionally become generalizd with protracted illness and severe toxemia. Stedman [ PJC ]