diverticulitis

American  

[dahy-ver-tik-yuh-lahy-tis] / ˌdaɪ vərˌtɪk yəˈlaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of one or more diverticula, characterized by abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel movements.

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diverticulitis British  

/ ˌdaɪvəˌtɪkjʊˈlaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of one or more diverticula, esp of the colon

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diverticulitis Scientific  

/ dī′vûr-tĭk′yə-lī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of a diverticulum or of diverticula in the intestinal tract, usually causing abdominal pain and fever.

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Etymology

Origin of diverticulitis

First recorded in 1895–1900; diverticul(um) + -itis

Compare meaning

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

• diverticulitis vs. diverticulosis

Example Sentences

I had surgery for diverticulitis, although mine wasn’t an emergency and I was given a choice to do it minimally invasively.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

While eating more fibre is a good thing for most people, for some with conditions like Crohn's disease and diverticulitis, it is often not recommended and medical advice should be sought before any dietary changes.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

He underwent a surgery to remove half his colon after suffering a bout of diverticulitis, and received iron infusions and hemoglobin shots.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2025

Her 79-year-old mother was recently rushed to the hospital with diverticulitis, and a follow-up MRI found a brain bleed, requiring a neurological consult.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 2023

She had serious bouts of shingles and diverticulitis, and she became painfully thin.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield