prolapse

American  

[proh-laps, proh-laps, proh-laps] / proʊˈlæps, ˈproʊ læps, proʊˈlæps /

noun

1. Pathology. a falling down of an organ or part, as the uterus, from its normal position.

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verb (used without object)

prolapsed, prolapsing

1. to fall or slip down or out of place.

prolapse British  

/ ˈprəʊlæps, prəʊˈlæps /

noun

1. Also called: prolapsus.  the sinking or falling down of an organ or part, esp the womb Compare proptosis

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verb

1. (of an organ, etc) to sink from its normal position

Etymology

Origin of prolapse

First recorded in 1555–65, prolapse is from the Late Latin word prōlāpsus a slipping forth. See pro- ¹, lapse

Example Sentences

Mesh was considered to be the gold standard treatment for incontinence and prolapse in women for years.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

When these muscles become overly tight or loose, patients can experience issues like pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and incontinence—which all have serious implications if left untreated.

From Slate • Oct. 6, 2025

Wendy Gibbs, 80, had been due to be operated on by Marc Lamah to repair a pelvic prolapse at a private hospital in Brighton, run by Nuffield Health.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2025

Estimates vary but around 50% of people who have had babies experience some degree of prolapse and the use of forceps or a vacuum during birth increases the risk.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2024

Of the different anomalous positions of the uterus, most of which are acquired, the only one that will be mentioned is that of complete prolapse of the uterus.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)

Related Words

• cascade
• collapse
• crash
• dip
• disembark
• dive
• go down
• penetrate
• plummet
• plunge
• settle
• sink
• slide
• stumble
• subside
• swoop
• trickle
• tumble