ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hernia

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɝniə// UK //hˈɜːniɐ// her·nia

n. a medical condition where an organ or part of the body pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue that surrounds it. It often causes a visible bulge and can be painful.

n. a medical condition in which an organ or part of the body protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscular or connective tissue. Often involves the intestines or fatty tissue pushing through the abdominal wall.


SIMPLE

He had to wear a special belt to support his hernia.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor explained that a hernia occurs when the abdominal muscles become weak or damaged, allowing internal organs to bulge outward.

COMPLEX

While some hernias may be asymptomatic and require only observation, others can cause significant discomfort and necessitate surgical intervention to prevent the risk of strangulation.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Latin hernia (“protruded viscus”). See also yarn and cord.

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