constituting or forming a large number; numerous: many people. noting each one of a large number (usually followed by a or an): For many a day it rained. a large or considerable number of persons or things: A good many of the beggars were blind. the many, the greater part of humankind. many persons or things: Many of the beggars were blind.
Hives and angioedema can be caused by: 1  Foods. Many foods can trigger reactions in people with sensitivities. 2  Medications. Almost any medication may cause hives or angioedema. 3  Common allergens. Other substances that can cause hives and angioedema include pollen, animal dander, latex and insect stings.  Environmental factors.
A bout of hives usually lasts less than 6 weeks. These hives are called acute hives. If hives last more than 6 weeks, they are called chronic hives. Acute hives often result from an allergy, but they can have many other causes. The medical term for hives is urticaria (ur-tih-CARE-ee-uh). When large welts occur deeper under the skin, the medical term is angioedema (an-gee-oh-eh-dee-ma). This can occur with hives, and often causes the eyelids and lips to swell.