anastomosis

[ uh-nas-tuh-moh-sis ]
/ əˌnæs təˈmoʊ sɪs /

noun, plural a·nas·to·mo·ses [uh-nas-tuh-moh-seez] /əˌnæs təˈmoʊ siz/.

Anatomy. communication between blood vessels by means of collateral channels, especially when usual routes are obstructed.
Biology, Geology. connection between parts of any branching system, as veinlets in a leaf or branches of a stream.
Surgery, Pathology. a joining of or opening between two organs or spaces that normally are not connected.

Origin of anastomosis

1605–15; < New Latin < Greek: opening. See ana-, stoma, -osis

OTHER WORDS FROM anastomosis

a·nas·to·mot·ic [uh-nas-tuh-mot-ik] /əˌnæs təˈmɒt ɪk/, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for anastomosis

British Dictionary definitions for anastomosis

anastomosis
/ (əˌnæstəˈməʊsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

a natural connection between two tubular structures, such as blood vessels
the surgical union of two hollow organs or parts that are normally separate
the separation and rejoining in a reticulate pattern of the veins of a leaf or of branches

Derived forms of anastomosis

anastomotic (əˌnæstəˈmɒtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for anastomosis

C16: via New Latin from Greek: opening, from anastomoun to equip with a mouth, from stoma mouth

Medical definitions for anastomosis

anastomosis
[ ə-năs′tə-mōsĭs ]

n. pl. a•nas•to•mo•ses (-sēz)

The direct or indirect connection of separate parts of a branching system to form a network, especially among blood vessels.
The surgical connection of separate or severed tubular hollow organs to form a continuous channel as between two parts of the intestine.
An opening created by surgery, trauma, or disease between two or more normally separate spaces or organs.

Other words from anastomosis

a•nas′to•motic (-mŏtĭk) adj.