diverticulitis

noun

di·​ver·​tic·​u·​li·​tis ˌdī-vər-ˌti-kyə-ˈlī-təs How to pronounce diverticulitis (audio)
: inflammation of a diverticulum

Examples of diverticulitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 That’s why eating fiber-rich foods, such as raspberries and lentils, is key to lowering your risk of diverticulitis, experts said. — Cathy Cassata, Health, 14 July 2025 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 The report also revealed that the president underwent a colonoscopy last July, when he was diagnosed with diverticulitis and a benign polyp, and had cataract surgery at some undetailed point in the past. — Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diverticulitis

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of diverticulitis was circa 1900

Rhymes for diverticulitis

See All Rhymes for diverticulitis

Browse Nearby Words

diverticulate
diverticulitis
diverticulosis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diverticulitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diverticulitis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

diverticulitis

noun
di·​ver·​tic·​u·​li·​tis -ˈlīt-əs How to pronounce diverticulitis (audio)
: inflammation or infection of a diverticulum of the colon that is marked by abdominal pain or tenderness often accompanied by fever, chills, and cramping

More from Merriam-Webster on diverticulitis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diverticulitis

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