ophthalmia

[ of-thal-mee-uh, op- ]

noun

1. inflammation of the eye, especially of its membranes or external structures.

ophthalmia

/ ɒfˈθælmɪə /

noun

1. inflammation of the eye, often including the conjunctiva

Other Words From

• oph·thal·mi·ac [of-, thal, -mee-ak, op-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ophthalmia¹

1350–1400; < Late Latin < Greek ophthalmía, equivalent to ophthalm ( ós ) eye + -ia -ia; replacing Middle English obtalmia < Medieval Latin, Late Latin as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of ophthalmia¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek, from ophthalmos eye; see optic

Example Sentences

“Bernard! How can you?” the passage of an old woman with ophthalmia and a disease of the skin distracted her from her indignation.

From Literature

But without glancing at the group, he sent for Ali who had to remain in the rear because he was suffering from painful ophthalmia.

From Project Gutenberg

We dread the attacks of ophthalmia, as the surgeons call it; we call it commonly the blight in our eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

The origin and distribution of herpes zoster, the occurrence of sympathetic ophthalmia and symmetrical gangrene, suggest a predominant disturbance of innervation as the exciting cause.

From Project Gutenberg

Practically all the severe eye diseases of newly born children, the ophthalmia from which so many eyes are lost, is due to this disease.

From Project Gutenberg