hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae ˈhər-nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio)
-nē-ˌī
: a protrusion of an organ or part (such as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

hernial adjective

Examples of hernia in a Sentence

He was treated for hernia.
Recent Examples on the Web The German hasn't been seen in action since a November 12 clash with Deportivo Alaves, which brought him discomfort to his lumbar hernia, and has missed 17 games in total. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 People who had acupuncture before gallbladder surgery or hernia repair had less preoperative anxiety than those who took the anti-anxiety medication Midazolam, a type of benzodiazepine.5 In general, acupuncture has other benefits. Stephanie Booth, Health, 1 Dec. 2023 The heavy panting can lead to excessive work on their abdomens, which can lead to hernias and other issues over time, Stiles says. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2023 His Karya Alpha Omega Foundation provides free surgery for cataracts for thousands of Indonesians each year as well as for hernia and cleft lip repair. Rana Wehbe Watson, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Intestinal obstruction could be caused by a number of possible conditions, according to John Hopkins Medicine — from abdominal adhesions, hernias, scar tissue formation, tumors, or even Crohn's disease. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 13 Oct. 2023 It’s mostly used to treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, a diaphragmatic hernia, and tracheal balloon placements for congenital diaphragmatic hernia, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 7 Sep. 2023 For example, an external hernia usually feels like a constant dull, aching pain. Amanda Gardner, Health, 29 Oct. 2023 Neurological problems have affected his motor skills, spinal disc degeneration impaired his ability to walk and an abdominal hernia had brought on bouts of pain, ailments that required several surgeries and hospital stays. Chelsia Rose Marcius, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hernia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hernia, hernie, hirnia, borrowed from Latin hernia, hirnia, of uncertain origin

Note: See note at haruspex.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hernia was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near hernia

Cite this Entry

“Hernia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hernia. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio)
-nē-ˌī
: a sticking out of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

Medical Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: a protrusion of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

see abdominal hernia, hiatal hernia, strangulated hernia
hernial adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hernia

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