spondylitis

Term: spondylitis

Literally meaning: “inflammation of vertebra”

Origin: Anc Greek

σπόνδυλος/spondylos(=vertebra) >σπάω/spao(=break)+τύλος/tylos(=callus, corn)

-ίτις/-tis(=(=suffix which is used with the feminine noun η νόσος/ e nosos/(=disease), denoting “inflammation of”.

Coined/History

(?)

Definition

Spondylitis is usually a chronic inflammation of the one or more of the vertebrae of the spine characterized by stiffness and pain. Spondylitis can lead to a complete fusion of the vertebrae, a process called ankylosis.