diverticulum

noun

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di·ver·tic·u·lum | \ ˌdī-vər-ˈti-kyə-ləm

plural diverticula\ ˌdī-vər-ˈti-kyə-lə

Definition of diverticulum

1 : an abnormal pouch or sac opening from a hollow organ (such as the intestine or bladder)

2 : a pocket or closed branch opening off a main passage

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Examples of diverticulum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As pressure increases inside the diverticulum, the cells inside get less blood flow and the wall can burst. — Andrea K. Mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "Diverticulitis can cause digestive problems for some," 7 June 2018 If the diverticulum ruptures, bacteria escape into the abdomen, leading to a more widespread infection. — Andrea K. Mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "Diverticulitis can cause digestive problems for some," 7 June 2018 Zenker’s diverticulum is a pouch that forms where the pharynx, or voicebox, meets the esophagus. — Sandra G. Boodman, Washington Post, "She’d lost a lot of weight and had trouble swallowing. Was she dying?," 17 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diverticulum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for diverticulum

borrowed from New Latin dīverticulum, going back to Latin dēverticulum, dīverticulum "turn off the main road, byway, deviation," from dēvertere "to turn away, divert, make a turn aside/detour" + -i- -i- + -culum, suffix of instruments (going back to *-klom, -tlom) — more at divert

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