lymphadenitis /limfad′inī″tis, lim′fəd-/ [L, lympha + Gk, aden, gland, itis, inflammation] , an inflammatory condition of the lymph nodes, usually the result of systemic neoplastic disease, bacterial infection, or other inflammatory conditions. The nodes may be enlarged, hard, smooth or irregular, or red and may feel hot. The location of the affected node is indicative of the site or origin of disease.