The spelling of the word "thelitis" is based on its pronunciation. The word is pronounced as /θəˈlaɪtɪs/ (thuh-LAHY-tis), with the stressed syllable being the second syllable "lahy". The letters "th" at the beginning of the word represent the voiceless dental fricative, pronounced by placing the tongue between the teeth and blowing air out. The letter "e" in the second syllable represents the short "e" sound, as in "dress". The rest of the letters follow regular English spelling patterns.
Inflammation of the nipple, mammary papillitis, mamillitis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "thelitis" is derived from the Greek word "thelē" (θηλή), meaning "nipple" or "teat", and the suffix "-itis", which denotes inflammation. Combining these components, "thelitis" refers to the inflammation of the nipple.