Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by inflammation or infection of the ear. This term is a general one that can refer to inflammation in different parts of the ear.

Examples of Usage

• The pediatrician diagnosed the crying infant with otitis and prescribed antibiotics.
• Swimmer's ear is a common form of external otitis.
• Chronic otitis can sometimes lead to hearing difficulties if left untreated.

Advanced Usage

• "Otitis media": This is the most specific and common usage, referring to inflammation of the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. It is frequently seen in children.
  • Example: The child's fever and irritability were caused by acute otitis media.
• "Otitis externa": This specifies inflammation of the outer ear canal, often called "swimmer's ear."
  • Example: After swimming in the lake, he developed otitis externa.

Variants and Related Words

• Otitis media (n): Inflammation of the middle ear.
• Otitis externa (n): Inflammation of the outer ear canal.
• Otitis interna (n): Inflammation of the inner ear (less common term; labyrinthitis is more specific).

Synonyms

• Ear infection
• Inflammation of the ear

Notes on Meaning

The word "otitis" itself is a general medical term. In everyday language, people more commonly use the phrase "ear infection" or the specific terms "otitis media" (middle ear infection) or "swimmer's ear" (otitis externa). Using "otitis" alone is most typical in formal or medical contexts.

Noun

1. inflammation of the ear