tinnitus

noun

tin·​ni·​tus ˈti-nə-təs How to pronounce tinnitus (audio) tə-ˈnī-təs How to pronounce tinnitus (audio)
: a sensation of noise (such as a ringing or roaring) that is typically caused by a bodily condition (such as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or wax in the ear) and usually is of the subjective form which can only be heard by the one affected

Examples of tinnitus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Perry had been suffering from tinnitus and a sore throat every night. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2024 Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension typically experience headaches and vision changes, tinnitus or eye pain. Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2024 For some people, this might show up as tinnitus — an awful internal ringing or buzzing noise — or even hearing loss. Avital Norman Nathman, Flow Space, 10 July 2024 Those with tinnitus are also more likely to have anxiety or depression. Zach Dyer, NPR, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for tinnitus 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, ringing, tinnitus, from tinnire to ring, of imitative origin

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tinnitus was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near tinnitus

Cite this Entry

“Tinnitus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tinnitus. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

tinnitus

noun
tin·​ni·​tus ˈtin-ət-əs How to pronounce tinnitus (audio) ti-ˈnīt-əs How to pronounce tinnitus (audio)
: a sensation of noise (as a ringing or roaring) that is typically caused by a bodily condition (as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or wax in the ear) and usually is of the subjective form which can only be heard by the one affected

More from Merriam-Webster on tinnitus

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