Definition

A medical condition where the appendix, a small tube attached to the large intestine, becomes swollen and inflamed, often causing pain and requiring surgical removal.

Example

He was diagnosed with appendicitis and had to undergo surgery to remove his appendix.

Conversation

Did you hear about Sarah's surgery last week?

Yeah, I heard it was for appendicitis.

I can't believe how quickly she recovered, though.

I know! It's amazing how they handle appendicitis these days.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Appendicitis → It is formed from "appendix" (from Latin "appendere", meaning to hang upon) and "-itis" (from Greek "itis", meaning inflammation). The word describes the inflammation of the appendix, which is a small organ that hangs off the large intestine.

Memory Tip

Think of the appendix as something that 'hangs' ('appendere') and remember that 'itis' indicates inflammation, so appendicitis means inflammation of the hanging appendix.

Visually Confused Words