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

This recommendation is backed by a 2001 study, which found that about 85% of adults over the age of 50 already experience atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary artery disease. —Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 23 Jan. 2026

The initial damage to blood vessels leading to this condition is often due to other underlying health problems such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or diabetes. —Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2026

This recommendation was backed by a 2001 study, which found that about 85% of adults over the age of 50 already experience atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary artery disease. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 Jan. 2026

These amino acids may protect against the development of atherosclerosis, or the thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Dec. 2025

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