phlebitis

American  

[fluh-bahy-tis] / fləˈbaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of a vein, often occurring in the legs and involving the formation of a thrombus, characterized by swelling, pain, and change of skin color.

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phlebitis British  

/ flɪˈbɪtɪk, flɪˈbaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of a vein

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Other Word Forms

• phlebitic
  adjective
• postphlebitic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of phlebitis

From New Latin, dating back to 1815–25; see origin at phleb- -itis

Explanation

In medicine, phlebitis is an inflamed vein in a person's arm or (more commonly) leg. Mild phlebitis is nothing to worry about — it's treated with warm compresses and exercise. Some people get phlebitis after being stuck in bed for a long time, or during a long plane flight that compromises the circulation of their blood. Phlebitis can be nothing more than a visibly swollen vein very close to the surface of the skin, but if it affects a deeper vein, it can be dangerous. This more serious phlebitis needs to be treated by a doctor. The Greek root of phlebitis is phleps, "vein."

Example Sentences

He reportedly underwent surgery for phlebitis in April and subsequently returned home.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2024

In 1975, while he was being treated for phlebitis in his left leg, a blood clot dislodged and almost cost him his life.

From Washington Post • Dec. 15, 2021

Strict bed rest promoted depression, bedsores, intractable constipation, phlebitis, lethal pulmonary embolism and much else.

From US News • Jan. 7, 2014

A staph infection, a flare-up of her ulcer and the onset of phlebitis in her legs added to her problems, leaving her too debilitated to work.

From New York Times • Oct. 28, 2012

After the third use of the aerosol new symptoms developed: fever, pains in the joints and general malaise, acute phlebitis in one leg.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson