cellulitis

American  

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

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of cellular tissue.

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cellulitis British  

/ ˌsɛljʊˈlaɪtɪs /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of cellulitis

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

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Compare meaning

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

• cellulitis vs. cellulite

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cellulitis

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

Among them are Simon Morris, who has been on a trolley for four days with cellulitis in his legs.

From BBC ● Jan. 23, 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

In the deeply placed cervical glands, especially in cases of streptococcal throat infections, the suppuration rapidly involves the surrounding cellular tissue, and the clinical features are those of an acute cellulitis and deeply seated abscess.

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

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