mastitis

noun

mas·​ti·​tis ma-ˈstī-təs 

plural mastitides ma-ˈsti-tə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of the breast or udder usually caused by infection

mastitic

ma-ˈsti-tik 

adjective

Examples of mastitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Step-By-Step Guide and Tips for Gradual Weaning Experts recommend gradual weaning whenever possible to avoid breast engorgement (painful fullness in your breasts), which can lead to mastitis (breast infection). —Wendy Wisner, Health, 13 Apr. 2025

Product development expenses were $3.9 million, primarily focused on Re-Tain®, a treatment for subclinical mastitis in dairy cows. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025

At the time of the confirmation, the ewe had symptoms of the infection in the way of mastitis, inflammation of the mammary glands. —Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2025

The women alleged the department’s lack of sanitary pumping places caused several of them to develop mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for mastitis

• arthritis
• bronchitis
• bursitis
• detritus
• gastritis
• glossitis
• metritis
• nephritis
• neuritis
• orchitis
• osteitis
• otitis

Medical Definition

mastitis

noun

mas·​ti·​tis ma-ˈstīt-əs 

plural mastitides -ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of the mammary gland or udder usually caused by infection

called also mammitis

see blue bag, bovine mastitis, garget, summer mastitis