atherosclerosis

noun

ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌa-thə-ˌrō-sklə-ˈrō-səs 

: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries

atherosclerotic

ˌa-thə-ˌrō-sklə-ˈrä-tik 

adjective

Examples of atherosclerosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plaque accumulation within artery walls—a process called atherosclerosis—is what increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. — Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2026

For astronauts, researchers hypothesize that increased radiation exposure during spaceflight speeds up atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries implicated in heart attacks and strokes. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

Because calcium buildup marks the presence of atherosclerosis, the score gives cardiologists a direct look at disease that blood pressure and cholesterol checks can miss. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Adams says there is promising research that suggests that hormone therapy, when taken before age 60 or within 10 years since menopause, might help prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. — Mara Gordon, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for atherosclerosis

• actinomycosis
• endometriosis
• erythematosus
• erythroblastosis
• granulomatosis
• hemochromatosis
• histiocytosis
• hyperkeratosis
• ketoacidosis
• mononucleosis
• osteonecrosis
• osteoporosis

Kids Definition

atherosclerosis

noun

ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs 

: hardening and thickening of the walls of arteries due to deposit of fatty substances in the inner layer

Medical Definition

atherosclerosis

noun

ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs 

plural atheroscleroses -ˌsēz 

: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries

atherosclerotic

-sklə-ˈrät-ik 

adjective

atherosclerotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb