What does lymphadenitis mean?
Lymphadenitis is the medical term for inflammation of the lymph nodes. The affected nodes may become enlarged, tender, warm, or painful, and they are often found in the neck, under the arms, or around the groin. Inflammation can result from nearby infections, reactions to immunization, immune disorders, and other conditions, so the term describes a symptom or condition rather than one single disease. It should be distinguished from lymphadenopathy, which refers more broadly to enlarged or abnormal lymph nodes and may not involve inflammation. In everyday conversation, people usually describe the condition as swollen or painful lymph nodes rather than using the technical name. Lymphadenitis is nevertheless useful in medical contexts because it identifies a specific inflammatory process and can help distinguish it from other causes of lymph-node enlargement.
nounInflammation of one or more lymph nodes, often causing them to become enlarged, tender, or painful. It may result from infection, immune activity, or other medical conditions.
- Inflammation of one or more lymph nodes.
"The doctor suspected lymphadenitis after examining the swollen lymph nodes in her neck."
"Bacterial lymphadenitis can develop near the site of an infected wound."
"Her recurrent lymphadenitis led the specialist to investigate an underlying immune disorder."
The plural is used when referring to multiple cases or distinct instances of the condition.
"The chart recorded lymphadenitides involving the cervical and axillary lymph nodes."
When lymph nodes become more than just battle stations, the condition may be known as lymphadenitis.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lymphadenitis come from?
The word comes from Greek lymphē, meaning “water” or “lymph,” and aden, meaning “gland,” together with the suffix -itis, meaning “inflammation.” Its development reflects the older medical use of “lymph” for lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue. The component aden also underlies terms such as adenoma and lymphadenopathy.
Related word forms
How lymphadenitis is actually used
This is primarily a medical term, used in clinical reports, research literature, and specialist discussions. It is more specific than the general expression “swollen lymph nodes.”
Easily confused with lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis means inflammation of lymph nodes, whereas lymphadenopathy is the broader term for enlarged or otherwise abnormal lymph nodes, regardless of the cause.