diverticulum

[ dahy-ver-tik-yuh-luhm ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural di·ver·tic·u·la [dahy-ver-, tik, -y, uh, -l, uh].

1. a blind, tubular sac or process branching off from a canal or cavity, especially an abnormal, saclike herniation of the mucosal layer through the muscular wall of the colon.

diverticulum

/ ˌdaɪvəˈtɪkjʊləm /

noun

1. any sac or pouch formed by herniation of the wall of a tubular organ or part, esp the intestines

diverticulum

/ dī′vûr-tĭk′yə-ləm /

, Plural diverticula

1. A pouch or sac branching out from a portion of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the large intestine. A diverticulum can occur as a normal structure, or it can be caused by a hernia.

Derived Forms

• ˌdiverˈticular, adjective

Other Words From

• diver·ticu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverticulum¹

1640–50; < Latin, variant of dēverticulum byway, tributary, means of escape, equivalent to dēverti- (combining form of dēvertere, equivalent to dē- de- + vertere to turn) + -culum -cule ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverticulum¹

C16: from New Latin, from Latin dēverticulum by-path, from dēvertere to turn aside, from vertere to turn

Example Sentences

As people age, their large intestines' walls grow weaker, and the pressure of passing hard stools may cause sacs, or diverticula, to form.

From Reuters

Diverticulosis is simply a collection of outpouchings, or diverticula, in the wall of the colon.

From New York Times

Such pouches - called diverticula - are common among older adults.

From Washington Times

Such pouches — called diverticula — are common among older adults.

From Seattle Times

Such pouches - called diverticula - are a common condition among older adults.

From Washington Times