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

Gill, from Alnwick, found out about the plight of Kenyan women after being contacted by an American Charity called Beyond Fistula which works with the hospital.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2023

The Fistula Foundation, which pays for treatment of obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury that women suffer mostly in developing countries, has received support on multiple occasions from the comedian Louis C.K.

From New York Times • Apr. 2, 2018

Every stage of the game gives players opportunities to key in their credit card information and donate real-world money to charities like the Fistula Foundation and Heifer International.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2014

In partnership with Gynocare Fistula Center In Kenya, One by One provides free surgeries for women with fistulas, and aftercare to deal with the devastating social and emotional side effects.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2014

In some Leguminosae, as Arachis, Cathartocarpus Fistula and the tamarind, the fruit must be considered a legume, although it does not dehisce.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various