atherosclerosis

[ ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis, ath- ]
/ ˌæθ ə roʊ skləˈroʊ sɪs, ˌæð- /

noun Pathology.

a common form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty substances form a deposit of plaque on the inner lining of arterial walls.

Origin of atherosclerosis

1905–10; < German Atherosklerose; see athero-, sclerosis

OTHER WORDS FROM atherosclerosis

ath·er·o·scle·rot·ic [ath-uh-roh-skluh-rot-ik, ath-] /ˌæθ ə roʊ skləˈrɒt ɪk, ˌæð-/, adjective ath·er·o·scle·rot·i·cal·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for atherosclerosis

British Dictionary definitions for atherosclerosis

atherosclerosis
/ (ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrəʊsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

a degenerative disease of the arteries characterized by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material; a form of arteriosclerosis See atheroma

Derived forms of atherosclerosis

atherosclerotic (ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrɒtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for atherosclerosis

C20: from New Latin, from Greek athēra gruel (see atheroma) + sclerosis

Medical definitions for atherosclerosis

atherosclerosis
[ ăth′ə-rō-sklə-rōsĭs ]

n.

A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of atheromatous plaques containing cholesterol and lipids on the innermost layer of the walls of large and medium-sized arteries.

Other words from atherosclerosis

ath′er•o•scle•rotic (-rŏtĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for atherosclerosis

atherosclerosis
[ ăth′ə-rō-sklə-rōsĭs ]

A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of plaques containing cholesterol and lipids on the innermost layer of the walls of large- and medium-sized arteries. Individuals with atherosclerosis have a higher risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and elevated levels of fat in the blood contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

Cultural definitions for atherosclerosis

atherosclerosis
[ (ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis) ]

A form of arteriosclerosis in which the arteries become clogged by the buildup of fatty substances, which eventually reduces the flow of blood to the tissues. These fatty substances, called plaque, are made up largely of cholesterol. (Compare arteriosclerosis; see circulatory system.)