colitis

American  

[kuh-lahy-tis, koh-] / kəˈlaɪ tɪs, koʊ- /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the colon.

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colitis British  

/ kɒˈlɪtɪk, kə-, kɒˈlaɪtɪs, ˌkɒləˈnaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of the colon

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colitis Scientific  

/ kə-lī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of the colon.

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colitis Cultural  

1. An inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the colon. Colitis is characterized by pain in the abdomen, with alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea.

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Other Word Forms

• colitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of colitis

col- ² + -itis

Example Sentences

IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and is marked by long-lasting inflammation in the digestive tract.

From Science Daily • Jan. 25, 2026

Abivax’s primary drug, obefazimod for ulcerative colitis, is in late-stage clinical trials and not yet approved for sale.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

He would have had far more United appearances to his name had his career not been disrupted by the chronic bowel disease ulcerative colitis.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Tremfya treats plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 15, 2025

Finally, in the spring of 1952, Ernest broke down, landing back in the hospital with another attack of colitis.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik