What does otitis mean?
Otitis is the medical term for inflammation of the ear and is used especially for inflammation of the middle ear. When combined with media, it refers to otitis media, a common condition in which the tissue behind the eardrum becomes inflamed, often following an upper respiratory infection. Otitis externa denotes inflammation of the outer ear canal and is sometimes called swimmer's ear. The word may also be classified as acute or chronic according to its duration and course. In general conversation, people are more likely to say “an ear infection” than to use otitis, but the medical term is useful because it distinguishes inflammation from other ear disorders without necessarily specifying its cause. It should not be confused with otalgia, which denotes ear pain and may result from many conditions. Otitis is typically treated according to its type, severity, and the patient’s age and medical history.
nounInflammation of the ear, especially the middle ear. The term is most often used as part of a more specific diagnosis, such as otitis media or otitis externa.
- Inflammation of the ear, especially the middle ear.
"Her doctor diagnosed acute otitis media after examining her inflamed eardrum."
"Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for acute otitis media in children."
"Swimming may cause otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear."
The plural is possible but uncommon in ordinary clinical writing; the term is usually used in the singular or with qualifying phrases.
"The clinician reviewed the records of several acute otitides before deciding on a treatment protocol."
The word ending -itis appears in many medical terms, but it does not mean infection: otitis specifically means inflammation of the ear.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does otitis come from?
Otitis combines the combining form ot(o)-, derived from Greek ous, meaning “ear,” with the suffix -itis, meaning “inflammation.” The form became established in modern medical terminology through New Latin and internationally used clinical writing. Its relatives include otic, relating to the ear, and otology, the scientific study of the ear.
Related word forms
How otitis is actually used
This is a formal medical term. In clinical usage, it usually occurs with a modifier identifying the affected part of the ear or the duration and nature of the condition. Although it can denote ear inflammation generally, the term most often appears as otitis media.