atherosclerosis

noun

ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌa-thə-ˌrō-sklə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries
atherosclerotic adjective

Examples of atherosclerosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition that occurs when substances such as fat and cholesterol (plaque) build up in the walls of blood vessels. Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024 High-Cholesterol Foods Foods high in cholesterol can negatively affect blood pressure, contributing to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup that narrows and stiffens the arteries). Lindsey Desoto, Health, 8 Oct. 2024 The manner of death was likely atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries, Truman said. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024 Hawthorn may also protect against atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in your arteries) and indigestion and prevent skin aging. Joy Emeh, Health, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for atherosclerosis 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atherosclerosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atherosclerosis was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near atherosclerosis

Cite this Entry

“Atherosclerosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atherosclerosis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

atherosclerosis

noun
ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
: hardening and thickening of the walls of arteries due to deposit of fatty substances in the inner layer

Medical Definition

atherosclerosis

noun
ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
plural atheroscleroses -ˌsēz How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries
atherosclerotic adjective
atherosclerotically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on atherosclerosis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!