Ectasis

/ɛkˈteɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

Abnormal stretching or dilation of a tubular organ, duct, or blood vessel in the body.

Etymology

From Greek ektasis, from ek- 'out' + tasis 'stretching.' The same root word as ectasia, both referring to pathological expansion of body structures.

Kelly Says

Ectasis is the singular form while ectasia is an alternate form—both mean the same thing, but ectasis appears more commonly in compound medical terms like 'telangiectasis' where tiny blood vessels dilate and break down.

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