intussusception

American  

[in-tuhs-suh-sep-shuhn] / ˌɪn təs səˈsɛp ʃən /

noun

1. a taking within.

2. Biology. growth of a cell wall by the deposition of new particles among the existing particles of the wall.

3. Also called invagination.  Pathology. the slipping of one part within another, as of the intestine.

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intussusception British  

/ ˌɪntəssəˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. pathol invagination of a tubular organ or part, esp the telescoping of one section of the intestinal tract into a lower section, causing obstruction

2. biology growth in the surface area of a cell by the deposition of new material between the existing components of the cell wall Compare apposition

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Etymology

Origin of intussusception

1700–10; < Latin intus within + susceptiōn- (stem of susceptiō ) an undertaking, equivalent to suscept ( us ), past participle of suscipere ( see susceptible) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

For example, the first rotavirus vaccine was withdrawn in 1999 when researchers detected an increased risk of intussusception, a rare type of bowel obstruction, for children who received the vaccine.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2025

The rate of intussusception cases has now returned to normal levels.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024

The vaccine in rare cases led to intussusception, a condition in which a part of the intestine folds in on itself, leading to a potentially fatal bowel obstruction.

From Science Magazine • May 3, 2021

“It’s amazing, having lived through the intussusception experience,” Offit said.

From Washington Post • Apr. 19, 2021

For these mineral growths are not mere crystallizations as many suppose; they increase by intussusception and not by accretion.

From The Mechanism of Life by Leduc, Stéphane