conjunctivitis

noun

con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvī-təs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva

Examples of conjunctivitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Calicivirus - sneezing, nasal discharge, ulceration of the surface of the nose, conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), eye discharge, ulcers on the lip, tongue or elsewhere in the mouth, fever, lethargy, dehydration, pneumonia, joint inflammation or signs related to blood vessel wall inflammation. Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025 Passing gas does not release the bacteria or viruses that cause conjunctivitis into the air.3 This myth likely started because pink eye can spread when bacteria from stool (poop) particles on your hands enter your eyes. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 20 Sep. 2025 Unvaccinated people with measles first develop a runny nose and conjunctivitis, then a high fever and rash. Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 25 Aug. 2025 Infected people usually exhibit a high fever, respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis and the tell-tale rash. Dave Wessner, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conjunctivitis

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conjunctivitis was in 1835

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Cite this Entry

“Conjunctivitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conjunctivitis. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

conjunctivitis

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvīt-əs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva : pinkeye

Medical Definition

conjunctivitis

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvīt-əs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva that is typically marked by pinkness or redness of the sclera and by itching, burning, irritation, discharge, or excessive tearing of the eye and that is typically caused by pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses), allergens, or irritants see pink eye

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