hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae ˈhər-nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of hernia in a Sentence

He was treated for hernia.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After hernia surgery in April ended his 2023-24 season prematurely, Fernandez recovered and played a big part in Argentina’s Copa America triumph, playing as an attacking No 8 alongside Mac Allister for coach Lionel Scaloni. Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for hernia 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hernia was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near hernia

Cite this Entry

“Hernia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hernia. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio)
-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 How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hernia

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