Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Inflammation of the labyrinth of the internal ear.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun pathology inflammation of the labyrinth of the inner ear

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun inflammation of the inner ear; can cause vertigo and vomiting

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Anthony Zeitouni said the term labyrinthitis comes from the word labyrinth, referring to the part of the inner ear that helps control balance.

    The Globe and Mail - Home RSS feed 2010

  • He said while it's common to hear some doctors use the term labyrinthitis to diagnose patients, a more specific diagnosis is usually arrived at by otolaryngologists (also known as ear, nose and throat specialists).

    The Globe and Mail - Home RSS feed 2010

  • -- Vestibular neuritis, also known as labyrinthitis, also known as a swollen inner ear that causes vertigo and other balance issues

    SFGate: Top News Stories 2010

  • -- Vestibular neuritis, also known as labyrinthitis, also known as a swollen inner ear that causes vertigo and other balance issues

    SFGate: Top News Stories 2010

  • If the vestibular is unable to function properly by obstruction, injury, or infection, it can cause a nasty condition called labyrinthitis, which confuses and disorients the entire body during daily function and can cause side effects such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, uncontrolled rapid eye movement, and panic attacks secondary to chronic anxiety.

    PopMatters Timothy Gabriele 2009

  • Back in London, another physician would misdiagnose her symptoms as labyrinthitis—a viral infection of the inner ear.

    Storyteller Donald Sturrock 2010

  • It was presumed he had viral labyrinthitis (an inner-ear disorder) that would pass in a week or two.

    Diagnosing Nick 2008

  • However, something else seems to have popped up: a recurrence of the labyrinthitis that reared its ugly head almost three and a half years ago.

    the return of labyrinthitis, and threadless sale jlundberg 2008

  • He said Nick had viral labyrinthitis, and that the condition would clear up in a few weeks.

    Diagnosing Nick 2008

  • Medically known as viral labyrinthitis, the condition causes nausea, dizziness and general weakness.

    Celine Dion Is Pregnant! Pregnant With TWINS! 2006

Comments

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  • Law & Order: Criminal Intent - Season 6, Episode 15 - "Brother's Keeper"

    February 21, 2007

  • Ooh, that's where I heard it, too. (Somehow it comforts me to know that I'm not the only one who rushes to look up words in the middle of watching Law & Order.) I realize it has the literaly definition of inner ear inflammation leading to vertigo, but I'd like to see it used metaphorically. As in, the dizziness and loss of orientation one feels while wading through complex (indeed, labyrinthine) discussions of controversial subjects.

    February 26, 2007