hernia

noun her·nia \ ˈhər-nē-ə \

Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of hernia

plural hernias or herniae play \ˈhər-nē-ˌē, -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

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hernial

play \ˈhər-nē-əl\ adjective

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See hernia defined for kids

Examples of hernia in a Sentence

He was treated for hernia.

Recent Examples of hernia from the Web

Earlier this year, Lavelle was forced to suspend a job hunt after he was diagnosed with a hernia.

— simon montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, "Tulsa experiment: Can investing in children early reverse poverty cycle?," 13 Apr. 2018
LaMarre was limited to 17 minor league games in 2014 due to a right knee sprain, a stress fracture in his left leg and a sports hernia.

— george sipple, Detroit Free Press, "Former Michigan standout Ryan LaMarre has been a hit with the Twins," 7 Apr. 2018
Our study evaluated 333 hospital inpatients discharged home after six different types of general surgery operations: bariatric procedures; operations on the stomach, liver, pancreas, and colon; and ventral hernia repair.

— richard j. barth, STAT, "Trump wants to reduce opioid prescriptions by one-third. We can start now," 30 Mar. 2018
Patmore Gibbs passed away from complications stemming from a hernia surgery, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

— alexia fernandez, PEOPLE.com, "Shonda Rhimes Mourns the Shocking Sudden Death of TV Exec & Mom of 2 Who Championed Grey's Anatomy," 29 Mar. 2018
It was widely expected that Bryan would team up with Shane McMahon to face Owens and Zayn, but news broke Monday that McMahon had been hospitalized with diverticulitis and would need surgery to repair an umbilical hernia, according to WWE.

— nick schwartz, For The Win, "Daniel Bryan's return to WrestleMania becomes official," 28 Mar. 2018
The American Society of Anesthesiologists confirmed that some elective surgeries, which can include gall bladder removal and hernia repair, have been postponed.

— pauline bartolone, CNN, "Opioid shortages leave US hospitals scrambling," 19 Mar. 2018
Emily's first son, Grayson, died because he was born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which never allowed his lungs to develop.

— melanie dadourian, Fox News, "Stunning pics of midwife mom delivering her own baby by C-section," 15 Mar. 2018
While there, Sunny became ill and was rushed to the vet clinic, where x-rays revealed a diaphragmatic hernia, which had allowed his intestines to wrap around his heart, with his lungs pushing up against his chest wall.

— laura bruck, cleveland.com, "Sunny is ready to begin life anew," 5 Feb. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of hernia

Latin — more at yarn

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

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HERNIA Defined for English Language Learners

hernia

noun

Definition of hernia for English Language Learners

medical : a painful condition in which an organ (such as the intestine) pushes through the muscles that are around it

Medical Dictionary

hernia

noun her·nia \ ˈhər-nē-ə \

medical Definition of hernia

plural hernias or herniae play \-nē-ˌē, -nē-ˌī\

: 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

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