atherosclerosis

noun

ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌa-thə-ˌrō-sklə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries
atherosclerotic adjective

Examples of atherosclerosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which support heart health by protecting against atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries) and lowering heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Oct. 2025 Increases the Risk of Blood Clots When blood flow is restricted due to the narrowing of the arteries, it’s referred to as atherosclerosis. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025 Knowing your risk factors can help to predict how much clogging is possibly occurring in your arteries (atherosclerosis). Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2025 This process is known as atherosclerosis – the build-up of fatty, inflamed plaques in arteries – and is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for atherosclerosis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atherosclerosis was in 1910

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Atherosclerosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atherosclerosis. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

atherosclerosis

noun
ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
plural atheroscleroses -ˌsēz How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries
atherosclerotic adjective
atherosclerotically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on atherosclerosis

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