herniate

verb

her·​ni·​ate ˈhər-nē-ˌāt How to pronounce herniate (audio)
herniated; herniating

intransitive verb

: to protrude through an abnormal body opening : rupture
a herniated intervertebral disc
herniation noun

Examples of herniate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His diaphragm had ruptured to such an extent that some of his liver and connective tissue were herniated and inside his chest cavity. Li Cohen, CBS News, 15 June 2023 Astronauts are at least four times more likely to herniate a disc than the general population, according to a 2010 NASA study, particularly in the immediate aftermath of their arrival back on Earth. Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2023 Discs herniate to varying degrees and locations and cause a wide variety of symptoms from minimal to debilitating. Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 27 July 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'herniate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

hernia + -ate entry 4

First Known Use

circa 1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of herniate was circa 1922

Dictionary Entries Near herniate

Cite this Entry

“Herniate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herniate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

herniate

intransitive verb
her·​ni·​ate ˈhər-nē-ˌāt How to pronounce herniate (audio)
herniated; herniating
: to protrude through an abnormal body opening : rupture
herniated intervertebral discs
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