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

Changes in blood chemistry from cigarette smoke can also cause plaque in the body's arteries, resulting in a disease called atherosclerosis, according to the CDC. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025

To assess the age of arteries, a scoring system can be applied that takes into consideration factors that promote atherosclerosis including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, etc. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 15 Aug. 2024

Meanwhile, Hackman died from hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Heart Disease Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease (CVD), is any disease affecting the heart or blood vessels due to the effects of blood pressure and atherosclerosis. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 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