herniation

[ hur-nee-ey-shuhn ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an abnormal condition or process in which an organ or other tissue protrudes through an opening, as in the organ’s surrounding walls or some other narrow space:

   Acupuncture is often effective for the treatment of intervertebral disc herniations.

   In a fetus, herniation of the liver above the diaphragm is cause for concern.

Word History and Origins

Origin of herniation¹

First recorded in 1875–80; hernia ( def ) + -tion ( def )

Related Words

• breach
• fissure
• fracture
• hernia
• schism