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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 invaginationPathology. the slipping of one part within another, as of the intestine.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Vocabulary lists containing intussusception

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For example, the first rotavirus vaccine was withdrawn in 1999 when researchers detected an increased risk of intussusception, a rare type of bowel obstruction, for children who received the vaccine.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

Professor Buttery said the findings raised the possibility that emerging vaccines like the new RSV vaccines may help prevent intussusception.

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

Severe straining occurs in some instances of intussusception, and when this occurs it should receive due credit.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.