noun
gingivitis
jin-ji-VY-tuhs
Gingivitis (noun) means Inflammation of the gums. Example: “Poor brushing habits had left him with early gingivitis.”
noun
1
pathology Inflammation of the gums.
"Poor brushing habits had left him with early gingivitis."
"The dentist explained that gingivitis can often be reversed with better care."
"Bleeding gums are a common sign of gingivitis."
How to use gingivitis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGingivitis is the medical word for gums that have become inflamed and sore.
When to use it
It is a clinical, dental term rather than everyday vocabulary.
Memory tip
The word is built from gingiva (gum) plus -itis, the standard medical suffix for inflammation.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
develop gingivitis
treat gingivitis
signs of gingivitis
mild gingivitis
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like gingivitis.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Poor brushing habits had left him with early _____.
Etymology
The word is formed from gingiva, the medical term for the gum, with the suffix -itis, which denotes inflammation.
Rhymes for gingivitis
itis
otitis
gastritis
sinusitis
enteritis
hepatitis
arthritis
dermatitis
laryngitis
bronchitis
meningitis
peritonitis
See all rhymes for gingivitis →
Frequently asked questions
What is gingivitis?
It is inflammation of the gums, often the earliest stage of gum disease.
What causes gingivitis?
The grounding does not give a cause, but the term itself simply names inflammation of the gum tissue.
Can gingivitis be treated?
The grounding does not describe treatment, though dentists commonly address gum inflammation through improved oral care.
What is the meaning of gingivitis?
"gingivitis" (noun) means inflammation of the gums.
