Herniation

/ˌhɜrniˈeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The condition where body tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or fascia that normally contains it, like when an inner organ pokes through a hole.

Etymology

From Latin 'hernia' (rupture) plus the suffix '-tion' (action or state). The word entered medical vocabulary to describe this anatomical breach that had been recognized since ancient times.

Kelly Says

The most famous herniation is a 'slipped disc'—it's actually a disc herniation where part of the cushion between your spine's vertebrae bulges out and can pinch a nerve, sometimes causing terrible back pain!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.