Clinical Diagnosis · Sensory System · Medium

Mastoiditis

Meaning: Infection of the bone behind the ear, usually a complication of middle ear infection.

In practice: The child had a tender swelling behind the ear pushing it forward, indicating mastoiditis.

Word parts

  • -itis means inflammation

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.

Which word means: An excess of hydrogen ions in the body fluids, lowering the pH of the blood below normal.

Which word means: Unintentional filling of memory gaps with invented or distorted information that the person believes is true.

Words like mastoiditis come up in the daily game

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.

Related words

More clinical diagnosis terms · All medical words