diverticulum

noun

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

plural diverticula ˌdī-vər-ˈti-kyə-lə 

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

diverticular

ˌdī-vər-ˈti-kyə-lər 

adjective

Examples of diverticulum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People with a history of Zenker’s diverticulum, dysphagia, esophageal stricture, eosinophilic esophagitis, or achalasia. —Korin Miller, Health, 10 Feb. 2023

As pressure increases inside the diverticulum, the cells inside get less blood flow and the wall can burst. —Andrea K. McDaniels, baltimoresun.com, 7 June 2018

If the diverticulum ruptures, bacteria escape into the abdomen, leading to a more widespread infection. —Andrea K. McDaniels, baltimoresun.com, 7 June 2018

Zenker’s diverticulum is a pouch that forms where the pharynx, or voicebox, meets the esophagus. —Sandra G. Boodman, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

diverticulum

noun

di·​ver·​tic·​u·​lum ˌdī-vər-ˈtik-yə-ləm 

plural diverticula -lə 

1

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

2

: a blind tube or sac branching off from a cavity or canal of the body

the liver is an anterior diverticulum of the intestine

—Gordon Alexander