atherosclerosis

[ ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis, ath- ]

/ ˌæθ ə roʊ skləˈroʊ sɪs, ˌæð- /

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noun Pathology.

a common form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty substances form a deposit of plaque on the inner lining of arterial walls.

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Origin of atherosclerosis

1905–10; <German Atherosklerose;see athero-, sclerosis

OTHER WORDS FROM atherosclerosis

ath·er·o·scle·rot·ic

[ath-uh-roh-skluh-rot-ik, ath-], /ˌæθ ə roʊ skləˈrɒt ɪk, ˌæð-/, adjectiveath·er·o·scle·rot·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby atherosclerosis

athermancy, athermanous, athero-, atherogenic, atheroma, atherosclerosis, Atherton, athetosis, A thing of beauty is a joy forever, athirst, athleisure

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use atherosclerosis in a sentence

Strong inflammatory responses, while efficient at fighting off bacterial invaders, can also trigger atherosclerosis, heart and blood vessel diseases, and even accelerated aging.
These Mice Pups Inherited Immunity From Their Parents—But Not Through DNA|Shelly Fan|November 2, 2021|Singularity Hub
Lucas later tested their theory in her lab, discovering that a purified version of the protein the virus creates can be a therapeutic treatment for atherosclerosis — a condition where plaque builds up in arteries, blocking them.
Are Bunnies the Secret to Curing Cancer?|Charu Kasturi|May 14, 2021|Ozy
One way of halting this economic equivalent of atherosclerosis is to encourage more free trade and global competition.
How behemoth companies quash innovation|Katie McLean|February 24, 2021|MIT Technology Review
The drug halts the development of atherosclerosis, a word referring to the hardening of the arteries.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Come Closer to Eliminating Heart Disease|Dale Eisinger|April 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

“At the age of 50 almost everybody has atherosclerosis,” Rogers said.
The Fight Over Jackson's Health|Diane Dimond|October 12, 2011|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for atherosclerosis

atherosclerosis

/ (ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrəʊsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

a degenerative disease of the arteries characterized by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material; a form of arteriosclerosisSee atheroma

Derived forms of atherosclerosis

atherosclerotic (ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrɒtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for atherosclerosis

C20: from New Latin, from Greek athēra gruel (see atheroma) + sclerosis

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for atherosclerosis

atherosclerosis

[ ăth′ə-rō-sklə-rō′sĭs ]

A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of plaques containing cholesterol and lipids on the innermost layer of the walls of large- and medium-sized arteries. Individuals with atherosclerosis have a higher risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and elevated levels of fat in the blood contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

Cultural definitions for atherosclerosis

atherosclerosis

[ (ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis) ]

A form of arteriosclerosis in which the arteries become clogged by the buildup of fatty substances, which eventually reduces the flow of blood to the tissues. These fatty substances, called plaque, are made up largely of cholesterol. (Compare arteriosclerosis; see circulatory system.)