diverticulum

American  

[dahy-ver-tik-yuh-luhm] / ˌdaɪ vərˈtɪk yə ləm /

noun

Anatomy.

PLURAL

diverticula

1. a blind, tubular sac or process branching off from a canal or cavity, especially an abnormal, saclike herniation of the mucosal layer through the muscular wall of the colon.

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diverticulum British  

/ ˌdaɪvəˈtɪkjʊləm /

noun

1. any sac or pouch formed by herniation of the wall of a tubular organ or part, esp the intestines

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diverticulum Scientific  

/ dī′vûr-tĭk′yə-ləm /

PLURAL

diverticula

1. A pouch or sac branching out from a portion of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the large intestine. A diverticulum can occur as a normal structure, or it can be caused by a hernia.

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Other Word Forms

• diverticular adjective

Etymology

Origin of diverticulum

1640–50; < Latin, variant of dēverticulum byway, tributary, means of escape, equivalent to dēverti- (combining form of dēvertere, equivalent to dē- de- + vertere to turn) + -culum -cule ²

Example Sentences

As people age, their large intestines' walls grow weaker, and the pressure of passing hard stools may cause sacs, or diverticula, to form.

From Reuters

Diverticulosis is simply a collection of outpouchings, or diverticula, in the wall of the colon.

From New York Times

Such pouches - called diverticula - are common among older adults.

From Washington Times

Such pouches — called diverticula — are common among older adults.

From Seattle Times

Such pouches - called diverticula - are a common condition among older adults.

From Washington Times