aneurysm

noun

an·​eu·​rysm ˈan-yə-ˌri-zəm 

variants or less commonly aneurism

: an abnormal blood-filled bulge of a blood vessel and especially an artery resulting from weakening (as from disease) of the vessel wall

aneurysmal

ˌan-yə-ˈriz-məl 

adjective

Examples of aneurysm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unexplained sudden death, thoracic aneurysm, or dissection in a family member should prompt discussion of genetic testing and imaging of first-degree relatives, the experts said. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 15 July 2026

An aneurysm in a younger person is more likely to be inherited, caused by a weakness in the connective tissue itself. — Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026

On July 13, 2020, Imahara died after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

Creech has a large stomach aneurysm, edema and Type 2 diabetes. — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek aneurysma, from aneurynein to dilate, from ana- + eurynein to stretch, from eurys wide — more at eury-

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aneurysm

• threesome

Medical Definition

aneurysm

noun

an·​eu·​rysm

variants also aneurism

ˈan-yə-ˌriz-əm 

: an abnormal blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel and especially an artery resulting from disease of the vessel wall

aneurysmal adjective

also aneurismal

ˌan-yə-ˈriz-məl 

aneurysmally

-ē 

adverb