fistula
noun
fis·tu·la
ˈfis-chə-lə 
ˈfish-
plural fistulas or fistulae
ˈfis-chə-ˌlē
-ˌlī
-ˌlī
ˈfish-
: an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions
Examples of fistula in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Additionally, Ward is the primary care provider for her son, who is an American citizen, and is chronically ill with Crohn's disease and a complicated fistula.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Previous research suggests that Black people with IBD are more likely to experience a delay in diagnosis and IBD complications such as fistulas and abscesses, and are less likely to be included in clinical trials.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2025
So James, sans anal fistula, goes home and surprises everyone, including Helen, in her Helenish sweater and blazer.
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2025
One of the most serious complications of untreated Crohn’s disease are fistulas.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for fistula
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Previous research suggests that Black people with IBD are more likely to experience a delay in diagnosis and IBD complications such as fistulas and abscesses, and are less likely to be included in clinical trials.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2025
So James, sans anal fistula, goes home and surprises everyone, including Helen, in her Helenish sweater and blazer.
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2025
One of the most serious complications of untreated Crohn’s disease are fistulas.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for fistula
Cite this Entry
“Fistula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fistula. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fistula
noun
fis·tu·la
ˈfis-chə-lə
plural fistulas or fistulae
-ˌlē
-ˌlī
: an abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ
Medical Definition
fistula
1 of 2 noun
fis·tu·la
ˈfis(h)-chə-lə, British also ˈfis-tyu̇-lə
plural fistulas or fistulae
-lē also -lī
1
: an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions
a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula
an arteriovenous fistula was reconstructed in the right arm for dialysis—Pasteur Rasuli et al.
Pasteur Rasuli et al.fistula
2 of 2
see cassia fistula
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