diverticulosis

noun

di·​ver·​tic·​u·​lo·​sis ˌdī-vər-ˌti-kyə-ˈlō-səs 

: an intestinal disorder characterized by the presence of many diverticula

Examples of diverticulosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They were traditionally thought to be caused from high pressure in the colon (such as in people with constipation); however, recent studies have shown that constipation doesn’t increase risk for diverticulosis. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 10 Aug. 2023

For example, diverticulosis is a condition that forms small pouches that push on weak spots in the colon wall. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 8 May 2023

Severe diverticulosis was the only finding. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2013

For instance, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends people with diverticulosis—a disease in which little sacs bulge out of the weak areas of your colon wall—incorporate more fiber into their diet. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 31 Mar. 2022

In fact, many people live with diverticulosis without any complications. —Karen Pallarito, Health.com, 4 Nov. 2021

About 15%–20% of people with diverticulosis (or tiny pouches along the wall of the colon) will go on to develop diverticulitis during their lifetime, per Harvard Health. —Karen Pallarito, Health.com, 3 Nov. 2021

That includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diverticulosis or diverticulitis. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 30 May 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin dīverticulōsis (in German context), from dīverticulum diverticulum + -ōsis -osis

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

diverticulosis

noun

di·​ver·​tic·​u·​lo·​sis -ˈlō-səs 

plural diverticuloses -ˌsēz 

: an intestinal condition characterized by the presence of diverticula in the colon that is typically symptomless but may be marked by symptoms (as bleeding or constipation)