fistula

noun

fis·​tu·​la ˈfis-chə-lə 

ˈfish-

plural fistulas or fistulae ˈfis-chə-ˌlē  -ˌlī 

ˈfish-

: an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions

Examples of fistula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Eloise was born with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula. — Will Croxton, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026

Patients on kidney dialysis need a durable connection between an artery and a vein, called a fistula, so they can be linked to a dialysis machine for treatment. — Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

The leather charm, modeled after the blossoms of the Cassia fistula tree, can hold small items like earbuds, or perhaps an herbal inhaler, which are popular in the Asian nation. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

So James, sans anal fistula, goes home and surprises everyone, including Helen, in her Helenish sweater and blazer. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, pipe, fistula

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fistula

• betula
• blastula
• radula
• regula
• scrofula
• beulah
• chula
• gula
• hula
• kula
• ula
• incunabula

Kids Definition

fistula

noun

fis·​tu·​la ˈfis-chə-lə 

plural fistulas or fistulae -ˌlē 

-ˌlī

: an abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ

Medical Definition

fistula

1 of 2 noun

fis·​tu·​la

ˈfis(h)-chə-lə, British also ˈfis-tyu̇-lə

plural fistulas or fistulae

-lē also -lī

1

: an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions

a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula

an arteriovenous fistula was reconstructed in the right arm for dialysis

—Pasteur Rasuli et al.

2

: fistulous withers

fistula

2 of 2

see cassia fistula