anastomosis

[ uh-nas-tuh-moh-sis ]

noun

, plural a·nas·to·mo·ses [uh, -nas-t, uh, -, moh, -seez].

1. Anatomy. communication between blood vessels by means of collateral channels, especially when usual routes are obstructed.
2. Biology, Geology. connection between parts of any branching system, as veinlets in a leaf or branches of a stream.
3. Surgery, Pathology. a joining of or opening between two organs or spaces that normally are not connected.

anastomosis

/ əˌnæstəˈməʊsɪs; əˌnæstəˈmɒtɪk /

noun

1. a natural connection between two tubular structures, such as blood vessels
2. the surgical union of two hollow organs or parts that are normally separate
3. the separation and rejoining in a reticulate pattern of the veins of a leaf or of branches

Derived Forms

• anastomotic, adjective

Other Words From

• a·nas·to·mot·ic [uh, -nas-t, uh, -, mot, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anastomosis¹

1605–15; < New Latin < Greek: opening. See ana-, stoma, -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of anastomosis¹

C16: via New Latin from Greek: opening, from anastomoun to equip with a mouth, from stoma mouth

Example Sentences

From the semilunar anastomosis radiate two main groups of arterial branches, an ascending group and a descending one.

From Project Gutenberg

Aneurysm by Anastomosis is the name applied to a vascular tumour in which the arteries, veins, and capillaries are all involved.

From Project Gutenberg

Thoracic anastomosis between internal mammary and intercostals, with branches of axillary.

From Project Gutenberg

Anastomosis varies with the position of the ligature, but is very free between the various muscular branches of these vessels.

From Project Gutenberg

In the smaller vessels a frequent running together, or anastomosis, occurs.

From Project Gutenberg