cellulitis

noun

cel·​lu·​li·​tis ˌsel-yə-ˈlī-təs How to pronounce cellulitis (audio)
: diffuse and especially subcutaneous inflammation of connective tissue

Examples of cellulitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the above scenario, if the patient had a fever the likely diagnosis would be cellulitis, but if the patient suffered a motor vehicle accident the subcutaneous edema would likely be from a contusion. Omer Awan, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 This finding is nonspecific and can be seen in the setting of many diagnoses; including cellulitis, contusion from trauma and vascular disease from heart failure. Omer Awan, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 Barnes said an East County veterinarian diagnosed it with cellulitis, a bacterial infection that forms under the skin. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2024 Other treatments include wound care, rest, and elevation for cellulitis on the leg.9 3. Health Editorial Team, Health, 30 Oct. 2023 If left untreated, cellulitis spreads rapidly to your lymph nodes, which can be life-threatening. Ashley Martens, Women's Health, 18 Aug. 2023 Many of the infections have been due to Aeromonas bacteria, which live in brackish water and can cause severe skin reactions ranging from mild cellulitis — red, swollen and painful skin — to necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease. Jeremy Childs, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2023 Abscesses are known to be filled with pus and cellulitis causes redness, swelling and pain. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2023 When a spider bite turns into cellulitis—a common (and painful) skin infection—a rash begins to spread around the wound, and the skin becomes painful and hot to the touch. Emilia Benton, Women's Health, 30 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cellulitis.' 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

New Latin, from cellula

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cellulitis was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near cellulitis

Cite this Entry

“Cellulitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cellulitis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

cellulitis

noun
cel·​lu·​li·​tis ˌsel-yə-ˈlīt-əs How to pronounce cellulitis (audio)
: diffuse and especially subcutaneous inflammation of connective tissue
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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