cellulitis

American  

[sel-yuh-lahy-tis] / ˌsɛl yəˈlaɪ 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

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

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

The main vessels may become thrombosed or eroded—particularly when the cellulitis is associated with scarlet fever—and in the latter case copious hæmorrhage may follow incision of the abscess.

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