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

Compare meaning

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

• cellulitis vs. cellulite

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

Simon Morris has been on a trolley in the busy emergency department for four days after being brought in by ambulance with cellulitis in both 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

She said his leg swelled up with cellulitis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2024

Complications of Scalp Wounds.—The most common complications are those due to infection, which not only aggravates the local condition, but is apt to lead to spreading cellulitis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, or inflammation of the intra-cranial sinuses.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander