What is the definition or description of: conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis: The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye (the "sclera"). When this membrane is inflamed/irritated, the condition is called conjunctivitis. Infection is a common cause of conjunctivitis (and may be contagious), but conjunctivitis may also be caused by non-infectious conditions such as allergies and irritation (e.g., cigarette smoke, chlorine in pools).

Inflamed conjunctiva: The conjunctiva is the outer layer of thye eye. Conjunctivitis means inflammation by any irritant. The normal pale clear tissue will look iritated and discolored from light pink to angry red and varying amounts of swelling.