Definition

A condition characterized by inflammation of the vertebrae in the spine, which can cause pain and stiffness.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with spondylitis after she complained of back pain.

Conversation

I was reading about spondylitis and its symptoms yesterday.

Oh really? What did you find out?

It seems like it causes a lot of back pain and stiffness.

That sounds uncomfortable; I hope people can manage it well.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spondylitis is formed from "spondylos" (σπονδύλος) (meaning vertebra) and "itis" (from Greek "itis" meaning inflammation). The word refers to the inflammation of the vertebrae.

Memory Tip

Think of 'spondylos' which means vertebra, and 'itis' which indicates inflammation — this helps you remember that spondylitis is the inflammation of the vertebrae.

Visually Confused Words