intussusception

[ in-tuhs-suh-sep-shuhn ]

noun

1. a taking within.
2. Biology. growth of a cell wall by the deposition of new particles among the existing particles of the wall. Compare apposition ( def 4 ).
3. Also called invagination. Pathology. the slipping of one part within another, as of the intestine.

intussusception

/ ˌɪntəssəˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. pathol invagination of a tubular organ or part, esp the telescoping of one section of the intestinal tract into a lower section, causing obstruction
2. biology growth in the surface area of a cell by the deposition of new material between the existing components of the cell wall Compare apposition

Word History and Origins

Origin of intussusception¹

1700–10; < Latin intus within + susceptiōn- (stem of susceptiō ) an undertaking, equivalent to suscept ( us ), past participle of suscipere ( susceptible ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of intussusception¹

C18: from Latin intus within + susceptiō a taking up

Example Sentences

The rotavirus vaccine, for example, is an unmitigated success, but it can lead to intussusception — a life-threatening condition in which the intestine folds in on itself — in about 0.02 percent of children who are vaccinated.

From New York Times

Viral infections trigger more cases of intussusception, the common cause of bowel blockages in young children, than previously thought, according to a new study.

From Science Daily

The vaccine in rare cases led to intussusception, a condition in which a part of the intestine folds in on itself, leading to a potentially fatal bowel obstruction.

From Science Magazine

A vaccine for rotavirus, RotaShield, was pulled off the market in 1999 because it was found to carry a rare risk of intussusception, a condition that can cause intestinal blockage and may be deadly.

From Washington Post

The most serious risk of the rotavirus vaccine is a bowel obstruction disorder called intussusception, estimated to occur as often as 1 in 20,000 doses of the vaccine.

From Forbes