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

The prevalent disease of the time we live in is ophthalmia of intellect, affecting the higher classes.

From Project Gutenberg

To this foul dust is due the terrible amount of ophthalmia and consequent blindness so prevalent throughout the East.

From Project Gutenberg

Ophthalmia, of-thal′mi-a, n. inflammation of the eye—also Ophthal′my.

From Project Gutenberg

A very ragged girl, sorely afflicted with ophthalmia, stood among the ashes doing nothing.

From Project Gutenberg

In Japan the stones are accounted of medicinal value, while in Burma and Assam they are infallible specifics for ophthalmia.

From Project Gutenberg