aneurysm

or an·eu·rism

[ an-yuh-riz-uhm ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a permanent cardiac or arterial dilatation usually caused by weakening of the vessel wall.

aneurysm

/ ˈænjəˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. a sac formed by abnormal dilation of the weakened wall of a blood vessel

aneurysm

/ ăn′yə-rĭz′əm /

1. A localized, blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel or cardiac chamber caused by disease, such as arteriosclerosis, or weakening of the vessel or chamber wall. A ruptured aneurysm results in hemorrhage and is often fatal.

Derived Forms

• ˌaneuˈrysmally, adverb
• ˌaneuˈrysmal, adjective

Other Words From

• aneu·rysmal aneu·rismal adjective
• aneu·rysmal·ly aneu·rismal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aneurysm¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Greek aneúrysma “dilation,” equivalent to aneurys- (variant stem of aneurýnein “to dilate,” from an- an- ³ + eurýnein “to widen, broaden”; eury- ) + -ma, noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of aneurysm¹

C15: from Greek aneurusma, from aneurunein to dilate, from eurunein to widen

Example Sentences

In a five-minute hearing, Lorraine Harris, the area coroner for Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, said the cause of his death was a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

From BBC

When Berry suffered a brain aneurysm and left the band, burned out and artistically spent, in 1997, R.E.M. carried on as a trio, but its sales dwindled and so did its zeitgeist-y buzz.

From Los Angeles Times

When the musician suffered a brain aneurysm in 1974, his chances of survival were said to be so slim, and his stature so high, that his famous friends started planning a tribute concert.

From BBC

She also had undergone surgery in 2006 to repair a brain aneurysm.

From Los Angeles Times

Louis Lau, a consultant vascular surgeon and clinical lead for the aneurysm screening programme, said it is important for someone with a large aneurysm to have surgery if suitable.

From BBC