atherosclerosis

[ ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis, ath- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a common form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty substances form a deposit of plaque on the inner lining of arterial walls.

atherosclerosis

/ ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrəʊsɪs; ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrɒtɪk /

noun

1. See atheroma
   a degenerative disease of the arteries characterized by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material; a form of arteriosclerosis See atheroma

atherosclerosis

/ ăth′ə-rō-sklə-rō′sĭs /

1. A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of plaques containing cholesterol and lipids on the innermost layer of the walls of large- and medium-sized arteries. Individuals with atherosclerosis have a higher risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and elevated levels of fat in the blood contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

atherosclerosis

1. A form of arteriosclerosis in which the arteries become clogged by the buildup of fatty substances, which eventually reduces the flow of blood to the tissues. These fatty substances, called plaque , are made up largely of cholesterol . ( Compare arteriosclerosis ; see circulatory system .)

Derived Forms

• atherosclerotic, adjective

Other Words From

• ath·er·o·scle·rot·ic [ath-, uh, -roh-skl, uh, -, rot, -ik, a, th, -], adjective
• ather·o·scle·roti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atherosclerosis¹

1905–10; < German Atherosklerose; athero-, sclerosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of atherosclerosis¹

C20: from New Latin, from Greek athēra gruel (see atheroma ) + sclerosis

Example Sentences

Strong inflammatory responses, while efficient at fighting off bacterial invaders, can also trigger atherosclerosis, heart and blood vessel diseases, and even accelerated aging.

From Singularity Hub 

Lucas later tested their theory in her lab, discovering that a purified version of the protein the virus creates can be a therapeutic treatment for atherosclerosis — a condition where plaque builds up in arteries, blocking them.

From Ozy

One way of halting this economic equivalent of atherosclerosis is to encourage more free trade and global competition.

From MIT Technology Review

The drug halts the development of atherosclerosis, a word referring to the hardening of the arteries.

From The Daily Beast

“At the age of 50 almost everybody has atherosclerosis,” Rogers said.

From The Daily Beast