# itis

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/itis
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a suffix used in medical names to mean 'inflammation'. You see it in words like arthritis or hepatitis to describe a swollen, painful part of the body.

For teachers: a suffix denoting inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. Used in medical terminology to form compound nouns, such as 'arthritis' or 'tonsillitis'.

## Examples

- The doctor explained that the suffix 'itis' means inflammation.
- Medical students learn that the suffix 'itis' is used to identify conditions where the body's tissues are swollen and irritated.
- While the suffix 'itis' is strictly medical in its primary application, it has been borrowed into informal speech to describe any situation characterized by intense, often unnecessary, conflict or irritation.

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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.