hiatal hernia

noun

Definition of hiatal hernia

: protrusion of part of the stomach upward into the chest cavity through the passage in the diaphragm for the esophagus usually with movement of the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to a position above the diaphragm

— called also hiatus hernia

Examples of hiatal hernia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Schedule an appointment with your physician to rule out a hiatal hernia, constipation, or other GI issues. — Ali Nolan, SELF, 6 Dec. 2021

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

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“Hiatal hernia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hiatal%20hernia. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for hiatal hernia

hiatal hernia

noun

variants: also hiatus hernia

Medical Definition of hiatal hernia

: herniation of an abdominal organ specifically : protrusion of part of the stomach upward into the chest cavity through the passage in the diaphragm for the esophagus that is typically accompanied with movement of the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to a position above the diaphragm and that may be asymptomatic or be accompanied by symptoms typical of gastroesophageal reflux (such as heartburn, belching, or bloating).