Definition

A type of infection that causes swelling and redness in the skin and underlying tissues, often due to bacteria.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with cellulitis after she noticed redness and swelling on her leg.

Conversation

Have you heard about the condition called cellulitis?

No, what is it?

It's a skin infection that can cause swelling and redness.

That sounds serious! I hope people know how to treat it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cellulitis is formed from "cellula" (from Latin, meaning small cell) and "-itis" (from Greek, meaning inflammation). The term refers to the inflammation of the connective tissue in the skin, which is composed of small cells.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small cell' ('cellula') being inflamed ('-itis') — that's what cellulitis means.

Visually Confused Words