# colitis

/kəlˈaɪtɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/colitis
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

an illness that causes pain and swelling in the large intestine. It often makes you feel sick and have trouble going to the bathroom.

For teachers: inflammation of the colon, typically resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes rectal bleeding. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune conditions, or other inflammatory processes.

## Examples

- The doctor diagnosed him with colitis after his symptoms worsened.
- The patient was advised to follow a strict diet and take anti-inflammatory medication to manage his colitis.
- Chronic colitis can lead to significant structural changes in the intestinal lining, necessitating long-term medical supervision to prevent complications such as strictures or fistulas.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.