conjunctivitis

noun

con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvī-təs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva

Examples of conjunctivitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Initial symptoms, according to the CDC, include: High fever Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) After 2 or 3 days, many patients develop tiny white spots, called Koplik spots, inside the mouth. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 27 Jan. 2024 The ulcerations and conjunctivitis, which have since received treatment, left the kitten with heavy clouding and scarring on his eyes. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 1 Feb. 2024 The Olivers took to Facebook to tell their friends about Ike’s worsening condition, and they were then contacted by a stranger who advised them to try chloramphenicol – an antibiotic used as an eye ointment to treat human conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 26 Nov. 2023 Those who do usually experience rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache for two to seven days. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 12 Jan. 2024 Allergic conjunctivitis is a common and debilitating condition affecting millions globally. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 For this reason, allergen immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for managing allergic conjunctivitis. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 Eye redness and grittiness can also be symptomatic of viral conjunctivitis or pink eye, in which case getting an accurate temperature reading would aid in diagnosis and treatment. Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2023 The most common illnesses caused include respiratory illness and viral conjunctivitis. Sherry Christiansen Updated, Verywell Health, 3 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conjunctivitis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conjunctivitis was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near conjunctivitis

Cite this Entry

“Conjunctivitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conjunctivitis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conjunctivitis

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvīt-əs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva

Medical Definition

conjunctivitis

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvīt-əs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva that is typically marked by pinkness or redness of the sclera and by itching, burning, irritation, discharge, or excessive tearing of the eye and that is typically caused by pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses), allergens, or irritants see pink eye

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