noun

halitosis

hal-ih-TOH-sihs

Halitosis (noun) means Chronic bad breath. Example: “The dentist said her halitosis was caused by gum disease.”

noun

Chronic bad breath.

"The dentist said her halitosis was caused by gum disease."

"Chewing mint gum only masks halitosis rather than curing it."

How to use halitosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe clinical term for persistent bad breath.

When to use it

A medical/formal word — most people just say "bad breath" in everyday speech.

Word forms

halitoses plural

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The dentist said her _____ was caused by gum disease.

Etymology

Coined in 1874 from Latin halitus ("breath") plus the Greek-derived medical suffix denoting a condition or disease.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1874

Class of 1874 halitosis joined the language around 1874.

cocaine Houdini

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Rhymes for halitosis

meiosis mitosis osmosis stenosis necrosis neurosis hypnosis fibrosis diagnosis prognosis symbiosis psychosis

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Frequently asked questions

What does “halitosis” mean?

The word “halitosis” means chronic bad breath. In plain terms, the clinical term for persistent bad breath.

How do you pronounce “halitosis”?

“Halitosis” is pronounced hal-ih-TOH-sihs (/hæl.ɪˈtoʊ.sɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “halitosis” in a sentence?

Here is “halitosis” used in a sentence: “The dentist said her halitosis was caused by gum disease.”

What part of speech is “halitosis”?

“Halitosis” is a noun.

Where does the word “halitosis” come from?

The word “halitosis” dates back to around 1874 and comes from Latin. Coined in 1874 from Latin halitus ("breath") plus the Greek-derived medical suffix denoting a condition or disease.