Epiglottiditis

/ˌɛpɪɡlɑːtɪˈdaɪtɪs/ noun

Definition

Inflammation of the epiglottis, the tissue flap that covers your airway when swallowing, which can be dangerous if severe.

Etymology

From epiglottis + -itis (suffix meaning inflammation). Medical terminology following the standard Greek pattern for naming inflammatory conditions.

Kelly Says

This is different from epiglottitis (which is more common in modern usage)—having both terms shows how medical language evolves as doctors pick shorter, cleaner names!

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