Definition

A medical condition characterized by inflammation of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with cervicitis after she reported discomfort and unusual symptoms.

Conversation

I overheard someone mention cervicitis at the clinic today.

Oh really? What is that exactly?

It's an inflammation of the cervix, usually from an infection.

That sounds serious; I hope they get it treated right away.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cervicitis → It is formed from "cervix" (from Latin *cervix*, meaning neck) and "-itis" (from Greek *itis*, meaning inflammation). The word "cervicitis" refers to the inflammation of the cervix, which is the neck of the uterus.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cervix' meaning neck and '-itis' indicating inflammation — so cervicitis is the inflammation of the neck of the uterus.

Visually Confused Words