diverticulitis

American  

[dahy-ver-tik-yuh-lahy-tis] / ˌdaɪ vərˌtɪk yəˈlaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of one or more diverticula, characterized by abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel movements.

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diverticulitis British  

/ ˌdaɪvəˌtɪkjʊˈlaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of one or more diverticula, esp of the colon

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diverticulitis Scientific  

/ dī′vûr-tĭk′yə-lī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of a diverticulum or of diverticula in the intestinal tract, usually causing abdominal pain and fever.

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Etymology

Origin of diverticulitis

First recorded in 1895–1900; diverticul(um) + -itis

Compare meaning

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

• diverticulitis vs. diverticulosis

Example Sentences

I had surgery for diverticulitis, although mine wasn’t an emergency and I was given a choice to do it minimally invasively.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

He underwent a surgery to remove half his colon after suffering a bout of diverticulitis, and received iron infusions and hemoglobin shots.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2025

At nearly 88 years old, he has a knee ailment that impairs mobility, abdominal problems caused by diverticulitis and is vulnerable to respiratory issues owing to the removal of most of one of his lungs.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2024

Her 79-year-old mother was recently rushed to the hospital with diverticulitis, and a follow-up MRI found a brain bleed, requiring a neurological consult.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 2023

She had serious bouts of shingles and diverticulitis, and she became painfully thin.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield