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

The most common cause is atherosclerosis, but other conditions like a blood clot, spasm, or tear in your coronary arteries can also trigger a heart attack. —Angela Ryan Lee, Health, 1 Sep. 2024

What’s the big deal about high cholesterol? Elevated cholesterol—specifically high levels of LDL—is the main driver of plaque build-up in blood vessels, which is called atherosclerosis, says Dr. Keith Ferdinand, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the Tulane University School of Medicine. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 12 Aug. 2024

The accumulation of cholesterol in arterial walls is called atherosclerosis. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2024

Stroke deaths climbed into fourth place, in tandem with heart disease, sharing the same dangers from atherosclerosis and clotting problems. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

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