ophthalmia

[ of-thal-mee-uh, op- ]

/ ɒfˈθæl mi ə, ɒp- /

noun

inflammation of the eye, especially of its membranes or external structures.

Nearby words

ophryosis, ophthal., ophthalm-, ophthalm., ophthalmalgia, ophthalmia, ophthalmia neonatorum, ophthalmic, ophthalmic artery, ophthalmic nerve, ophthalmic optician

Origin of ophthalmia

1350–1400; < Late Latin < Greek ophthalmía, equivalent to ophthalm(ós) eye + -ia -ia; replacing Middle English obtalmia < Medieval Latin, Late Latin as above

Related formsoph·thal·mi·ac

[of-thal-mee-ak, op-] /ɒfˈθæl miˌæk, ɒp-/, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ophthalmia

The prevalent disease of the time we live in is ophthalmia of intellect, affecting the higher classes.
Newton Forster|Captain Frederick Marryat
The Admiral, however, was obviously in precarious health; his ophthalmia became worse, and the stability of his mind suffered.
Christopher Columbus, Complete|Filson Young
In ophthalmia, as soon as active inflammation ceases; also as the last.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II|Arnold Cooley
His ophthalmia, however, was quite cured; and when he shut his eyes again he could see nothing.
Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio vol. II (of 2)|Songling Pu

The liability to ophthalmia and affections of the middle ear is not to be forgotten.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|Various

British Dictionary definitions for ophthalmia

ophthalmia

/ (ɒfˈθælmɪə) /

noun

inflammation of the eye, often including the conjunctiva

Word Origin for ophthalmia

C16: via Late Latin from Greek, from ophthalmos eye; see optic

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

Medicine definitions for ophthalmia

ophthalmia

[ ŏf-thăl′mē-ə, ŏp- ]

n.

Severe, often purulent conjunctivitis.

Inflammation of the deep eye structures.ophthalmitis