Arteriostosis

/ɑrˌtɪriəˈoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

A medical condition involving abnormal bone-like hardening of arterial walls, making them rigid and brittle.

Etymology

From Latin 'arteria' (artery) + Greek '-ostosis' (bone condition). The suffix '-ostosis' specifically refers to bone formation, so this term describes when artery walls calcify and become bone-like.

Kelly Says

When arteries develop actual bone-like deposits in their walls, it's like plumbing pipes turning into ceramic—they become incredibly brittle and prone to sudden, catastrophic rupture rather than just narrowing gradually.

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