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 matters because repeated large glucose spikes drive oxidative stress, vascular inflammation and early-stage atherosclerosis regardless of what your average glucose looks like. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

Starting treatment earlier may help limit that long-term exposure, rather than trying to reverse it later after artery plaque (atherosclerosis) has already developed. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Having South Asian or Filipino ancestry also means a higher risk for developing atherosclerosis. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 13 Mar. 2026

On March 7, 2025, authorities announced Hackman had died of hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 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