conjunctivitis

American  

[kuhn-juhngk-tuh-vahy-tis] / kənˌdʒʌŋk təˈvaɪ tɪs /

noun

Ophthalmology.

1. inflammation of the conjunctiva.

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conjunctivitis British  

/ kənˌdʒʌŋktɪˈvaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of the conjunctiva

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conjunctivitis Scientific  

/ kən-jŭngk′tə-vī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, characterized by redness, itching, and often accompanied by a discharge. Bacterial and viral infection and allergies are common causes of conjunctivitis.

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conjunctivitis Cultural  

1. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the front part of the eyeball. Often called pinkeye.

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Etymology

Origin of conjunctivitis

First recorded in 1825–35; conjunctiv(a) + -itis

Example Sentences

Symptoms in humans mimic a severe flu: high fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and, at times, conjunctivitis.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

Apart from being potentially fatal, chlamydia - which is transmitted by close contact or mating - can also cause painful urinary tract infections, conjunctivitis, blindness and infertility in koalas.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

He said recent comments from the Nevada State Agriculture Commissioner about “workers” with conjunctivitis suggested multiple cases, but there was no information about how many workers have been tested, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2025

While most cases have been mild, commonly characterized by conjunctivitis and respiratory symptoms, this previously healthy Canadian teen was hospitalized from the virus in critical condition.

From Salon • Jan. 6, 2025

The worst case of conjunctivitis I’ve ever seen in my life and something else in there I can’t make out.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt