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Glite Dictionary
multiple neuritis

multiple neuritis

8.0
Swelling of many nerves in the body that causes weakness and numbness
  • noun
  • /ˈmʌltəpəl njuˈraɪtɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : neuritis múltiple
  • Symptoms of multiple neuritis may include numbness, tingling, and loss of muscle control.

Examples

  • Leprosy can sometimes lead to multiple neuritis, resulting in widespread nerve damage.

  • The patient was diagnosed with multiple neuritis caused by a severe vitamin deficiency.

  • Patients with multiple neuritis often experience muscle weakness.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with multiple neuritis last week.

  • Leprosy can sometimes lead to multiple neuritis, resulting in widespread nerve damage.

  • Symptoms of multiple neuritis may include numbness, tingling, and loss of muscle control.

  • The patient was diagnosed with multiple neuritis caused by a severe vitamin deficiency.

Synonyms

neuropathy
vsmultiple neuritis
  • Specialized
7 7.7

A problem with the nerves in the hands and feet that causes numbness, weakness or pain

is narrower and refers to inflammation of many nerves rather than any nerve problem
polyneuropathy
vsmultiple neuritis
  • Specialized
1 9.5

A disease that damages many nerves outside the brain and spinal cord

is similar but emphasizes inflammation rather than general nerve damage
polyneuritis
vsmultiple neuritis
  • Specialized
9.9

Inflammation of many nerves outside the brain and spine that causes weakness or numbness

is the same inflammation but written as two words rather than one

Surface Forms

multiple neuritis singular
multiple neuritises plural

Morphology

multiple + neuritis

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'multiple' (more than one) combined with 'neuritis' (inflammation of a nerve) yields the clear meaning 'inflammation of many nerves.' This is a literal, medically formed phrase that follows predictable morphological patterns (and has close equivalents in other languages), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer the overall meaning.

Etymology

The medical term multiple neuritis comes from simple parts: multiple means 'many', neur- means 'nerve', and -itis means 'inflammation' or 'swelling'. So multiple neuritis literally describes 'inflammation of many nerves', which is why it is used for the widespread numbness and weakness this condition causes.