Itis

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈaɪtɨs/

Origin

From suffix -itis ("disease characterized by inflammation"). Compare phobia, from -phobia, sophy, from -sophy, ism, from -ism, and ana, from -ana.

Full definition of itis

Noun

1. (informal) A medical condition accompanied by inflammation.
• 1973, April 16, “Scorecard”, Robert W. Creamer ed., in Sports Illustrated“. . . Arthritis, tendinitis and all those other itises will eventually catch up with you.”
2. (informal, Caribbean) The feeling of sleepiness after eating a heavy meal, usually the itis.