intussusception

noun

in·​tus·​sus·​cep·​tion ˌin-tə-sə-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce intussusception (audio)
: a drawing in of something from without: such as
a
: invagination
especially : the slipping of a length of intestine into an adjacent portion usually producing obstruction
b
: the assimilation of new material and its dispersal among preexistent matter
intussusceptive adjective

Examples of intussusception in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the 35 years since, more than 8,000 families have received in excess of $4 billion to compensate them for the effects of severe allergic reactions, a type of brain swelling called encephalopathy, an intestinal problem called intussusception or other serious problems. Karen Kaplan Science and Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2021 The Mayo Clinic calls intussusception the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children younger than 3 years old. Kathy Laughlin, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2022 Offit helped develop one of two newer vaccines that increased the risk of intussusception less — and are still in use today. Matthew Herper, STAT, 13 Apr. 2021 Among the inoculated, there seemed to be a small increase in a bowel condition called intussusception, which in rare cases can be deadly. Amitha Kalaichandran, Wired, 3 June 2021 But the vaccine caused an unacceptable side effect: a condition called intussusception, in which the intestine telescopes in on itself and becomes blocked. Matthew Herper, STAT, 13 Apr. 2021 The baby developed an intestinal blockage, a condition called intussusception, that the authors believed was a result of Covid-19 infection, Gary Wong, of Chinese University of Hong Kong and the senior author of the letter, told STAT. Helen Branswell, STAT, 26 Mar. 2020 Some experts argued that the vaccine should still be marketed in the developing world, where the number of lives saved would far outstrip the cases of intussusception. Helen Branswell, STAT, 23 Apr. 2018 A year later, Wyeth Laboratories withdrew it from the market after studies showed babies who got it were at greater risk of developing intussusception, a type of bowel blockage that can kill if it isn’t corrected in time. Helen Branswell, STAT, 23 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intussusception.' 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

Latin intus within + susception-, susceptio action of undertaking, from suscipere to take up — more at susceptible

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intussusception was in 1707

Dictionary Entries Near intussusception

Cite this Entry

“Intussusception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intussusception. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

intussusception

noun
in·​tus·​sus·​cep·​tion -ˈsep-shən How to pronounce intussusception (audio)
1
: invagination
especially : the slipping of a length of intestine into an adjacent portion usually producing obstruction
2
: the deposition of new particles of formative material among those already embodied in a tissue or structure (as in the growth of living organisms) compare accretion, apposition sense 1
intussusceptive adjective

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