fistula

noun

fis·​tu·​la ˈfis-chə-lə 

ˈfish-

plural fistulas or fistulae ˈfis-chə-ˌlē  -ˌlī 

ˈfish-

: an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions

Examples of fistula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Having a baby without medical help may be natural, but so is obstetric fistula and hemorrhaging to death. —Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2024

Although rare, surgery may cause anastomotic leakage, pelvic abscesses, and rectovaginal fistula. —Kasandra Brabaw, Health, 19 June 2024

After her fistula left her stinking of leaking waste, villagers took her to an exposed hut on the edge of town to be eaten by hyenas. —Isobel Coleman, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2010

Because the women afflicted by obstetric fistulas face systemic gender discrimination and social marginalization. —Ashley Judd, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, pipe, fistula

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fistula

noun

fis·​tu·​la ˈfis-chə-lə 

plural fistulas or fistulae -ˌlē 

-ˌlī

: an abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ

Medical Definition

fistula

1 of 2 noun

fis·​tu·​la

ˈfis(h)-chə-lə, British also ˈfis-tyu̇-lə

plural fistulas or fistulae

-lē also -lī

1

: an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions

a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula

an arteriovenous fistula was reconstructed in the right arm for dialysis

—Pasteur Rasuli et al.

2

: fistulous withers

fistula

2 of 2

see cassia fistula