anastomosis

American  

[uh-nas-tuh-moh-sis] / əˌnæs təˈmoʊ sɪs /

noun

anastomoses plural

1. Anatomy. communication between blood vessels by means of collateral channels, especially when usual routes are obstructed.

2. Biology, Geology. connection between parts of any branching system, as veinlets in a leaf or branches of a stream.

3. Surgery, Pathology. a joining of or opening between two organs or spaces that normally are not connected.

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anastomosis British  

/ əˌnæstəˈməʊsɪs, əˌnæstəˈmɒtɪk /

noun

1. a natural connection between two tubular structures, such as blood vessels

2. the surgical union of two hollow organs or parts that are normally separate

3. the separation and rejoining in a reticulate pattern of the veins of a leaf or of branches

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• anastomotic
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• anastomoses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of anastomosis

1605–15; < New Latin < Greek: opening. See ana-, stoma, -osis

Example Sentences

This had a repertoire of stitches, knots and manoeuvres that permitted it to plan and carry out a procedure, known as anastomosis, which involves sewing together two parts of a bodily tube.

From Economist • May 4, 2016

The ovarian artery continues to the uterus where it forms an anastomosis with the uterine artery that supplies blood to the uterus.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

In addition, an arteriovenous anastomosis may bypass the capillary bed and lead directly to the venous system.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Dr. Ernest Laplace, 63, famed surgeon, inventor of the first forceps for intestinal anastomosis; of heart disease, in Philadelphia.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is everywhere a mutual anastomosis and inosculation of the arteries with the veins, and they severally transmit both blood and spirit, by certain invisible and undoubtedly very narrow passages.

From The Harvard Classics Volume 38 Scientific Papers (Physiology, Medicine, Surgery, Geology) by Various