hernia

American  

[hur-nee-uh] / ˈhɜr ni ə /

noun

Pathology.

plural

hernias, herniae

1. the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an opening in its surrounding walls, especially in the abdominal region.

---

hernia British  

/ ˈhɜːnɪə /

noun

1. Also called: rupture.  the projection of an organ or part through the lining of the cavity in which it is normally situated, esp the protrusion of intestine through the front wall of the abdominal cavity. It is caused by muscular strain, injury, etc

---

hernia Scientific  

/ hûr′nē-ə /

1. A condition in which an organ or body part, such as the intestine, protrudes through an opening in the body structure that normally contains it.

---

hernia Cultural  

1. The projection of an organ or part of an organ through the wall of the structure that surrounds it. Most often, the term is applied to the protrusion of a part of the intestine that can be observed as a lump in the lower abdomen.

---

Other Word Forms

• hernial
  adjective
• herniated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of hernia

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin: “a rupture”; akin to hīra “gut”; see haruspex ( def. )

Explanation

A hernia is a rip in your muscle tissue that leads to an organ protruding through the muscle. It's painful and dangerous. Your organs all have a place in your body. However, sometimes an injury causes a rip in your soft muscle tissue, pushing an organ out of its home. This injury is a hernia, which often involves the abdomen bursting through the surrounding tissue. Sometimes people get a hernia after trying to lift something too heavy. A hernia can also involve a spinal disc that gets pushed out of place. Any type of hernia is a very serious medical condition.

Example Sentences

Vaginal mesh implants are described as medical devices - hernia mesh is used in men.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Bolsonaro, 70, has been hospitalized for more than a week after undergoing surgery for a groin hernia and then a procedure to treat recurring bouts of hiccups.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

This latest procedure comes after the 70-year-old successfully underwent surgery for a double hernia earlier this week, after being granted permission to be transferred to hospital.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for an attempted coup, went into surgery on Thursday for an inguinal hernia, his wife said.

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

For years now, driving past Rubsamen Medical Supply, my grandfather had noticed the unchanging window display of hernia truss, neck brace, and crutches.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• breach
• fissure
• fracture
• schism