arteriosclerosis

[ ahr-teer-ee-oh-skluh-roh-sis ]

noun

1. degenerative changes in the arteries, characterized by thickening of the vessel walls and accumulation of calcium with consequent loss of elasticity and lessened blood flow.

arteriosclerosis

/ ɑːˌtɪərɪəʊsklɪəˈrɒtɪk; ɑːˌtɪərɪəʊsklɪəˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

1. a pathological condition of the circulatory system characterized by thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls Nontechnical namehardening of the arteries

arteriosclerosis

/ är-tîr′ē-ō-sklə-rō′sĭs /

1. A thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls that results in impaired blood circulation.
2. See also atherosclerosis

arteriosclerosis

1. A disease commonly called hardening of the arteries . In arteriosclerosis, the walls of the arteries thicken and harden. The loss of flexibility results in a lessening of the flow of blood to the various organs of the body. ( Compare atherosclerosis ; see circulatory system .)

Derived Forms

• arteriosclerotic, adjective

Other Word Forms

• ar·te·ri·o·scle·rot·ic [ahr-teer-ee-oh-skl, uh, -, rot, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arteriosclerosis¹

1885–90; < New Latin. See arterio-, sclerosis

Example Sentences

According to his death certificate, my Great-Grandfather Reak's cause of death was "arteriosclerotic heart disease due to generalized and coronary arteriosclerosis."

From Salon

The Mayo Clinic classifies arteriosclerosis as a condition that occurs when arteries become thick and stiff — sometimes restricting blood flow to the organs and tissues.

From Los Angeles Times

The problems also betrayed an underlying arteriosclerosis - hardening of the arteries.

From Washington Times

The problems also betrayed an underlying arteriosclerosis – hardening of the arteries.

From Seattle Times

Effects included lung inflammation and toxicity, arteriosclerosis, and ageing effects on chromosomes in the lungs and spleen.

From The Guardian