fistula

American  

[fis-choo-luh] / ˈfɪs tʃʊ lə /

noun

plural

fistulas, fistulae

1. Pathology. a narrow passage or duct formed by disease or injury, as one leading from an abscess to a free surface, or from one cavity to another.

2. Surgery. an opening made into a hollow organ, as the bladder or eyeball, for drainage.

3. Veterinary Pathology. any of various suppurative inflammations, as in the withers of a horse fistulous withers, characterized by the formation of passages or sinuses through the tissues and to the surface of the skin.

4. Obsolete. a pipe, as a flute.

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fistula British  

/ ˈfɪstjʊlə /

noun

1. pathol an abnormal opening between one hollow organ and another or between a hollow organ and the surface of the skin, caused by ulceration, congenital malformation, etc

2. obsolete any musical wind instrument; a pipe

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Etymology

Origin of fistula

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin: “pipe, tube,” of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

"Our discovery of unique fistula fibroblasts, distinct monocyte differentiation in African-ancestry individuals, and key transcription factor binding events helps us illuminate mechanistic underpinnings of perianal fistula -- critical for the optimization of future treatment."

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

A fistula is an internal hole and can be the result of childbirth.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2023

While rare today in developed countries, an obstetric vesicovaginal fistula was a major complication of childbirth among 19th century women in America.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2023

“China never does this kind of thing,” said Dr. Catherine Tirri, 40, as she observed a fistula surgery.

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2023

The orphan daughter of a physician cures the king of a fistula by means of a secret remedy left to her as a great treasure by her father.

From Folk-lore of Shakespeare by Thiselton-Dyer, Thomas Firminger