-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
-itis
noun suffix
plural -itises also -itides or -ites
1
: disease or inflammation
bronchitis
2
plural usually -itises
: condition likened to a disease
—chiefly in nonce formations
televisionitis
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin & Greek; Latin, from Greek, from feminine of -itēs -ite
Dictionary Entries Near -itis
Cite this Entry
“-itis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/-itis. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
-itis
noun suffix
-i·tis
ˈīt-əs
plural -itises
ˈīt-ə-səz
also -itides
ˈit-ə-ˌdēz
or -ites
ˈīt-(ˌ)ēz,
ˈēt-
: inflamed state of or disorder with inflammation of
bronchitis
Etymology
derived from Greek -itis (noun and adjective suffix)
Medical Definition
itis
noun
: a disease characterized by inflammation
arthritis, tendinitis and all those other itises—Sports Illustrated
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share