atherosclerosis

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

noun

, Pathology.

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

atherosclerosis

/ ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrəʊsɪs; ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrɒtɪk /

noun

1. 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 arteriosclerosis See atheroma

atherosclerosis

/ ăth′ə-rō-sklə-rō′sĭs /

1. 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.

atherosclerosis

1. 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 .)

Derived Forms

• atherosclerotic, adjective

Other Words From

• ath·er·o·scle·rot·ic [ath-, uh, -roh-skl, uh, -, rot, -ik, a, th, -], adjective
• ather·o·scle·roti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atherosclerosis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of atherosclerosis¹

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

Example Sentences

The drug halts the development of atherosclerosis, a word referring to the hardening of the arteries.

From The Daily Beast

“At the age of 50 almost everybody has atherosclerosis,” Rogers said.

From The Daily Beast