phlebitis

American  

[fluh-bahy-tis] / fləˈbaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of a vein, often occurring in the legs and involving the formation of a thrombus, characterized by swelling, pain, and change of skin color.

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phlebitis British  

/ flɪˈbɪtɪk, flɪˈbaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of a vein

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Other Word Forms

• phlebitic adjective
• postphlebitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of phlebitis

From New Latin, dating back to 1815–25; phleb- -itis

Explanation

In medicine, phlebitis is an inflamed vein in a person's arm or (more commonly) leg. Mild phlebitis is nothing to worry about — it's treated with warm compresses and exercise. Some people get phlebitis after being stuck in bed for a long time, or during a long plane flight that compromises the circulation of their blood. Phlebitis can be nothing more than a visibly swollen vein very close to the surface of the skin, but if it affects a deeper vein, it can be dangerous. This more serious phlebitis needs to be treated by a doctor. The Greek root of phlebitis is phleps, "vein."

Example Sentences

He reportedly underwent surgery for phlebitis in April and subsequently returned home.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2024

Richard Nixon, though suffering from phlebitis, traveled to Egypt, Israel and Syria in the waning days of his presidency, believing he could build real momentum for peace.

From Washington Post • Nov. 30, 2016

Strict bed rest promoted depression, bedsores, intractable constipation, phlebitis, lethal pulmonary embolism and much else.

From US News • Jan. 7, 2014

A staph infection, a flare-up of her ulcer and the onset of phlebitis in her legs added to her problems, leaving her too debilitated to work.

From New York Times • Oct. 28, 2012

After the third use of the aerosol new symptoms developed: fever, pains in the joints and general malaise, acute phlebitis in one leg.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson