hemorrhoid

noun

hem·​or·​rhoid ˈhem-ˌrȯid How to pronounce hemorrhoid (audio) ˈhe-mə- How to pronounce hemorrhoid (audio)
: an abnormal mass of dilated and engorged blood vessels in swollen tissue that occurs internally in the anal canal or externally around the anus, that may be marked by bleeding, pain, or itching, and that when occurring internally often protrude through the outer sphincter of the anus and when occurring externally may lead to thrombosis
usually used in plural

called also piles

Examples of hemorrhoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That’s because sitting on the crapper too long can stress your anal blood vessels, which can up your risk of hemorrhoids. Julia Ries, SELF, 6 Sep. 2024 Lingering puts stress on the tissues of your butt, which can eventually lead to hemorrhoids or other problems. Amy Norton, SELF, 14 Aug. 2024 In this type of treatment, your doc injects hemorrhoids with medication to shrink them. Theresa Tamkins, SELF, 9 July 2024 Older research shows that senna has the potential to help heal hemorrhoids in some cases.15 Additional studies around this theory are needed before senna can be broadly recommended as a specific hemorrhoid treatment. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for hemorrhoid 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hemorrhoid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English emeroides, plural, from Anglo-French emorroides, from Latin haemorrhoidae, from Greek haimorrhoides, from haimorrhoos flowing with blood, from haimo- hem- + rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hemorrhoid was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near hemorrhoid

Cite this Entry

“Hemorrhoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemorrhoid. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

hemorrhoid

noun
hem·​or·​rhoid ˈhem-(ə-)ˌrȯid How to pronounce hemorrhoid (audio)
1
: a swollen mass of veins located at or just within the anus
2
plural : the condition of a person who has hemorrhoids

called also piles

Medical Definition

hemorrhoid

noun
hem·​or·​rhoid
variants or chiefly British haemorrhoid
: an abnormal mass of dilated and engorged blood vessels in swollen tissue that occurs internally in the anal canal or externally around the anus, that may be marked by bleeding, pain, or itching, and that when occurring internally often protrude through the external anal sphincter and when occurring externally may lead to thrombosis
usually used in plural

called also piles

More from Merriam-Webster on hemorrhoid

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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