diverticulitis

noun

di·​ver·​tic·​u·​li·​tis ˌdī-vər-ˌti-kyə-ˈlī-təs 

: inflammation of a diverticulum

Examples of diverticulitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Let’s say a patient is admitted with diverticulitis requiring surgery (typically billed as DRG 331 if there are no complications). — Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026

So Sutton and his colleagues, studying treatment in 70,000 visits to 120 VA facilities, expected to see antibiotic use for uncomplicated diverticulitis decline over 10 years. — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

At the time, he was being treated for diverticulitis when his doctor ordered a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026

So aside from the diverticulitis and post-surgical stuff, there are all the usual bumps and bruises too. — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin dīverticulītis (in German context), from dīverticulum diverticulum + -ītis -itis

First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diverticulitis

• epididymitis
• osteoarthritis
• periodontitis
• polymyositis
• pyelonephritis
• tenosynovitis
• adenitis
• arteritis
• cervicitis
• cholangitis
• choroiditis
• decubitus

Medical Definition

diverticulitis

noun

di·​ver·​tic·​u·​li·​tis -ˈlīt-əs 

: inflammation or infection of a diverticulum of the colon that is marked by abdominal pain or tenderness often accompanied by fever, chills, and cramping