hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə 

plural hernias or herniae ˈhər-nē-ˌē  -nē-ˌī 

: a protrusion of an organ or part (such as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

hernial

ˈhər-nē-əl 

adjective

Examples of hernia in a Sentence

He was treated for hernia.

Recent Examples on the Web

More serious complications can also occur, such as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia or hernia. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

According to the complaint, in June 2019, Ward went to the hospital and required surgery after a small bowel obstruction, which was complicated by a hernia and the presence of scar tissue from seven-year old stab wounds. —Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

It’s thought to be caused by complications from vasectomy procedures, such as hematomas, hernias, and nerve impingement. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 18 Sep. 2024

And then one day at school, Aaron gets the news: His dad died in hernia surgery. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hernia, hernie, hirnia, borrowed from Latin hernia, hirnia, of uncertain origin

Note: See note at haruspex.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hernia

• hiatal hernia

Kids Definition

hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə 

plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē 

-nē-ˌī

: a sticking out of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

Medical Definition

hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə 

plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē  -nē-ˌī 

: a protrusion of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

see abdominal hernia, hiatal hernia, strangulated hernia

hernial

-nē-əl 

adjective