Definition

A disease that causes inflammation in several muscles at the same time, leading to weakness and pain, especially in the muscles closest to the trunk of the body.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with polymyositis after she reported muscle weakness and pain.

Conversation

Have you heard about polymyositis?

Yeah, I read a bit about it; it's a tough condition.

I didn't know it causes muscle weakness and pain.

Exactly, it can really affect someone's daily life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polymyositis → It is formed from "poly-" (meaning many) and "mysos" (from Greek "musculus", meaning muscle) and "-itis" (meaning inflammation). The word describes a condition characterized by inflammation of many muscles.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') muscles ('mysos') that are inflamed ('-itis') — that's what polymyositis means.

Visually Confused Words