hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae ˈhər-nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio)
-nē-ˌī
: a protrusion of an organ or part (such as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

hernial adjective

Example Sentences

He was treated for hernia.
Recent Examples on the Web Sometimes outies can be caused by an umbilical hernia in the baby or another medical problem, but most of it is just due to what your genes encoded. Sarah Leupen, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2023 Integra will use the Braintree facility to manufacture regenerative tissue technologies, including reconstruction devices used in hernia repair and breast reconstruction, said Kevin Breeden, the company’s senior vice president of tissue technologies operations. BostonGlobe.com, 17 May 2022 Farmer, playing with a sports hernia injury, has a .394 batting average and .463 on-base percentage in 20 games this month. Bobby Nightengale, The Enquirer, 31 July 2021 Dowdle underwent surgery for a sports hernia and also a fractured left leg while in college. Dallas News, 17 Aug. 2022 The last inning of the roller coaster began at 5:59 with Rougned Odor coming up only because DJ LeMahieu is on the injured list with a sports hernia. Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 Check out that hernia! Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 24 Jan. 2023 Two nights later, the Suns took one on the chin against the even shorter-handed Thunder (23-55), who was without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle), Josh Giddey (hip), Darius Bazley (knee), Lu Dort (shoulder), Derrick Favors (back), Mike Muscala (ankle) and former Suns guard Ty Jerome (hernia). Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 3 Apr. 2022 Fourth-year junior Al Blades Jr., a St. Thomas Aquinas High alum, is another Miami player who’s expected to miss significant time this season due to a sports hernia. Khobi Price, sun-sentinel.com, 11 Oct. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hernia.' 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 hernia, hernie, hirnia, borrowed from Latin hernia, hirnia, of uncertain origin

Note: See note at haruspex.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near hernia

Cite this Entry

“Hernia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hernia. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio)
-nē-ˌī
: a sticking out of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

Medical Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: a protrusion of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

see abdominal hernia, hiatal hernia, strangulated hernia
hernial adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hernia

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