cellulitis

American

[sel-yuh-lahy-tis] / ˌsɛl yəˈlaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

inflammation of cellular tissue.

cellulitis British

/ ˌsɛljʊˈlaɪtɪs /

noun

inflammation of any of the tissues of the body, characterized by fever, pain, swelling, and redness of the affected area

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cellulitis

First recorded in 1860–65; from New Latin, from cellul(a) “small room” + -itis -itis; cf. cellular

Compare meaning

How does cellulitis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

cellulitis vs. cellulite

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Cellulitis developed and she had two years of hospital and GP appointments.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2024

Cellulitis: Symptoms appear as a red, swollen and painful area of the skin — commonly on the feet and legs — that’s warm and tender to the touch.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2022

Streptococci in Pus from case of Diffuse Cellulitis 26 4.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

Cellulitis of the forearm is usually a sequel to one of the deeper varieties of whitlow.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

Cellulitis beneath the aponeurosis from mixed infection is a dangerous complication.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023