atheroma

noun

ath·​er·​o·​ma ˌa-thə-ˈrō-mə How to pronounce atheroma (audio)
plural atheromas also atheromata ˌa-thə-ˈrō-mə-tə How to pronounce atheroma (audio)
1
: an abnormal fatty deposit in an artery
2
dated : fatty degeneration of the inner coat of the arteries
atheromatous adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web His cause of death was determined as lethal cardiac arrhythmia via severe coronary atheroma and cardiomegaly. Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2023

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'atheroma.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of atheroma was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near atheroma

Cite this Entry

“Atheroma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheroma. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

atheroma

noun
ath·​er·​o·​ma ˌath-ə-ˈrō-mə How to pronounce atheroma (audio)
plural atheromas also atheromata -mət-ə How to pronounce atheroma (audio)
1
: an abnormal fatty deposit in an artery
Patients with large (>5 mm) or mobile aortic atheromas have an increase in the rate of perioperative stroke by a factor of 5 to 10 and are likely to have a significantly increased long-term risk of stroke.Mary E. Charlson and O. Wayne Isom, The New England Journal of Medicine
2
dated : fatty degeneration of the inner coat of the arteries
atheromatous adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on atheroma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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