Definition of "endocarditis" [en•do•car•di•tis]

• Inflammation of the endocardium. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "She knew that if it progressed it could easily block the flow of oxygen to her heart or lungs, causing a heart attack or even a life-threatening heart infection known as endocarditis."
• "Proper oral hygiene can prevent heart infections known as endocarditis, which start when bacteria finds their way to blood, according to the researchers."
• "Abrams would testify later at the trial that Schwartz, who suffered from two heart conditions, chronic endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the valves, and mitral stenosis, which is an obstruction of the mitral valve, was “lying on the floor covered with sweat and with his handkerchief full of blood.”"