mastitis

noun

mas·​ti·​tis ma-ˈstī-təs How to pronounce mastitis (audio)
plural mastitides ma-ˈsti-tə-ˌdēz How to pronounce mastitis (audio)
: inflammation of the breast or udder usually caused by infection
mastitic adjective

Examples of mastitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The bra aims to optimize breast health and prevent common issues like mastitis and clogged ducts. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024 Ferguson also points out that ensuring that your nursing tank does not fit too snugly can be crucial because a constrictive fit could potentially affect your milk flow and lead to a complication like mastitis. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Bsn, Parents, 19 Oct. 2023 For clogged ducts, swelling, or mastitis with pumping, Dr. Braden also recommends talking to your doctor about: Using ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling Taking sunflower or soy lecithin supplements Avoiding massage. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 12 Oct. 2023 With proper knowledge, nursing mothers can prevent mastitis and try non-medical treatments before turning to an antibiotic, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Theresa Sullivan Barger, Discover Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021 The actress, who is mom to son Hank, 6, and daughter Stevie, 4 next month, with husband Andy Roddick, has been candid in the past about the difficulties of her own postpartum experience, which included suffering from mastitis (the inflammation of breast tissue). Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE.com, 6 Dec. 2021 And yes, new moms should be aware that underwired bras can pose the risk of pressing against the lymphatic system and causing mastitis — a painful inflammation of mammary glands—in some people, according to Sena. Courtney Leiva, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2023 Beyond time for pumping, accommodations could also look like time off for treatment if a worker develops mastitis, a painful infection related to breastfeeding, for example. Chabeli Carrazana, USA TODAY, 4 May 2023 Shepard came to Bell's rescue when the actress was dealing with mastitis, or a build-up of milk in her breast duct, after one of her daughters had stopped nursing. Grace Gavilanes, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mastitis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek mastós "breast, nipple" (probably from a pre-Greek substratal language) + -itis, probably after French mastite

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mastitis was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near mastitis

Cite this Entry

“Mastitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastitis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

mastitis

noun
mas·​ti·​tis ma-ˈstīt-əs How to pronounce mastitis (audio)
plural mastitides -ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce mastitis (audio)
: inflammation of the mammary gland or udder usually caused by infection

called also mammitis

see blue bag, bovine mastitis, garget, summer mastitis

More from Merriam-Webster on mastitis

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