-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

-itious

-itis

it is no disgrace

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Cite this Entry

“-itis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/-itis. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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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
ˈīt-əs How to pronounce itis (audio)
: a disease characterized by inflammation
arthritis, tendinitis and all those other itises—Sports Illustrated
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