cellulitis
Americannoun
noun
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:
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.
Vaccines currently in development for Staphylococcus aureus infections, including MRSA, might have the side effect of fighting atopic dermatitis, cellulitis and impetigo — maybe even acne.
From Salon ● Jul. 12, 2025
She arrived at Northampton General on 14 April 2023 needing treatment for cellulitis, a bacterial infection affecting the skin, which can be serious.
From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2025
This cycle of infection directly increases the risk of conditions like cellulitis that can send patients to the emergency room with sepsis, toxic shock and heart complications.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 26, 2024
Roughly 9 percent suffered post-surgical breast cellulitis infections causing swelling and pain; although most patients are successfully treated with antibiotics, in rare cases these infections are so severe that they require surgical treatment.
From Slate ● Mar. 22, 2024
Chronic inflammation may follow acute or be consequent on pelvic cellulitis.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
