Definition

A medical condition where a vein becomes swollen and inflamed, often causing pain and discomfort.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with phlebitis after she complained of pain in her leg.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of phlebitis?

Yeah, isn’t that the inflammation of a vein?

Exactly! It can be really painful if someone has it.

I can imagine — I hope I never experience phlebitis.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Phlebitis is formed from "phlebos" (meaning vein) and "itis" (meaning inflammation). The word refers to the inflammation of a vein.

Memory Tip

Think of 'phlebos' for vein and 'itis' for inflammation — phlebitis means inflammation of a vein.

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