phlebitis

[fluh-bahy-tis]

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.

phlebitis

/ flɪˈbɪtɪk, flɪˈbaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of a vein

Other Word Forms

• phlebitic adjective
• postphlebitic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phlebitis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of phlebitis¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek; see _phlebo- , _-itis

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times

In 1975, while he was being treated for phlebitis in his left leg, a blood clot dislodged and almost cost him his life.

From Washington Post

Over the years, she endured a series of illnesses, including phlebitis, a heart attack and a benign brain tumor, resulting in missed performances.

From New York Times

In 1973, after teaching yoga in Japan and San Francisco—and claiming to have cured Richard Nixon of phlebitis—he moved to Los Angeles and opened a yoga studio in Beverly Hills.

From The New Yorker

When the late president visited, he was suffering from phlebitis.

From Los Angeles Times