atherosclerosis

American  

[ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis, ath-] / ˌæθ ə roʊ skləˈroʊ sɪs, ˌæð- /

noun

Pathology.

1. 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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atherosclerosis British  

/ 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

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atherosclerosis Scientific  

/ 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.

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atherosclerosis Cultural  

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.)

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Other Word Forms

• atherosclerotic
  adjective
• atherosclerotically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of atherosclerosis

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

Compare meaning

How does atherosclerosis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• atherosclerosis vs. arteriosclerosis

Example Sentences

Researchers note that additional studies will be needed to determine whether these benefits apply to other high-risk groups who do not yet have established atherosclerosis.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Doctors are encouraged to consider family history of atherosclerosis, underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and life events like early menopause or pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, when evaluating risk and planning treatment.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

These cholesterol particles can build up inside artery walls in a process known as atherosclerosis.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

The process of atherosclerosis — the slow buildup of plaques on the artery walls that can lead to heart attacks, strokes and other events — begins long before symptoms occur.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

With 30 million Americans in this category, it has become one of the nation's chief health problems, and it is the predisposing factor in many other diseases such as heart trouble, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis.

From A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis by Powers, Melvin