atheroma

ath·er·o·ma

noun \ˌa-thə-ˈrō-mə\

plural ath·er·o·mas also ath·er·o·ma·ta\-mə-tə\

Definition of ATHEROMA

1

: fatty degeneration of the inner coat of the arteries

2

: an abnormal fatty deposit in an artery

— ath·er·o·ma·tous \-ˈrō-mə-təs\ adjective

Origin of ATHEROMA

New Latin atheromat-, atheroma, from Latin, a tumor containing matter resembling gruel, from Greek athērōma, from athēra gruel

First Known Use: 1875