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conjunctivitis

American  
[kuhn-juhngk-tuh-vahy-tis] / kənˌdʒʌŋk təˈvaɪ tɪs /

noun

Ophthalmology.
  1. inflammation of the conjunctiva.


conjunctivitis British  
/ kənˌdʒʌŋktɪˈvaɪtɪs /

noun

  1. inflammation of the conjunctiva

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

conjunctivitis Scientific  
/ kən-jŭngk′tə-vītĭs /
  1. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, characterized by redness, itching, and often accompanied by a discharge. Bacterial and viral infection and allergies are common causes of conjunctivitis.


conjunctivitis Cultural  
  1. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the front part of the eyeball. Often called pinkeye.


Etymology

Origin of conjunctivitis

First recorded in 1825–35; conjunctiv(a) + -itis

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.

See Examples For:

She struggles with repeat infections of all kinds — ear infections, conjunctivitis, pneumonia — and the drug, which is approved to treat cystic fibrosis, has helped keep her healthy.

From MarketWatch Aug. 13, 2026

Symptoms in humans mimic a severe flu: high fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and, at times, conjunctivitis.

From BBC Dec. 17, 2025

While most cases have been mild, commonly characterized by conjunctivitis and respiratory symptoms, this previously healthy Canadian teen was hospitalized from the virus in critical condition.

From Salon Jan. 6, 2025

To date, most cases of H5N1 bird flu in people have been mild, involving conjunctivitis, or pink eye, and mild upper respiratory symptoms.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 7, 2024

It diagnosed the C of conjunctivitis, the F of favus, and the T of trachoma.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

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