Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelids. Commonly called 'pink eye,' it causes redness, discharge, and irritation.
From Latin 'conjunctiva' meaning 'joined together' (referring to how this membrane connects the eyelid to the eyeball) plus Greek '-itis' for inflammation. The term was established in the 19th century alongside improved understanding of eye anatomy.
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