prolapse

American  

[proh-laps, proh-laps, proh-laps] / proʊˈlæps, ˈproʊ læps, proʊˈlæps /

noun

1. Pathology. a falling down of an organ or part, as the uterus, from its normal position.

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verb (used without object)

prolapsed, prolapsing

1. to fall or slip down or out of place.

prolapse British  

/ ˈprəʊlæps, prəʊˈlæps /

noun

1. Also called: prolapsus.  the sinking or falling down of an organ or part, esp the womb Compare proptosis

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verb

1. (of an organ, etc) to sink from its normal position

Etymology

Origin of prolapse

First recorded in 1555–65, prolapse is from the Late Latin word prōlāpsus a slipping forth. See pro- ¹, lapse

Example Sentences

Prolapse happens when one or more of the organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder, bowel or uterus, slip from their usual position and bulge into the vagina.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

Prolapse can happen for a variety of reasons including childbirth, heavy lifting, being overweight or even after a hysterectomy.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

Prolapse occurs when ligaments and muscles in the pelvic floor weaken and can no longer support the pelvic floor organs.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2024

She is trying to lift the stigma around pelvic organ prolapse through social media and her blog 'Living With Prolapse'.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2024

Prolapse of omentum was comparatively rare, except in cases with large wounds; it was apparently seen with some frequency among patients who died rapidly on the field of battle.

From Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900 Being Mainly a Clinical Study of the Nature and Effects of Injuries Produced by Bullets of Small Calibre by Makins, George Henry

Related Words

• cascade
• collapse
• crash
• dip
• disembark
• dive
• go down
• penetrate
• plummet
• plunge
• settle
• sink
• slide
• stumble
• subside
• swoop
• trickle
• tumble