hemorrhoid

noun

hem·​or·​rhoid ˈhem-ˌrȯid  ˈhe-mə- 

: 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

Common Symptoms Anal cancer symptoms may initially be mistaken for being caused by a less serious condition, such as hemorrhoids (swollen anal or rectal veins). —Qin Rao, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024

Suppositories may aid in treating constipation, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease.6 Rectal suppositories may also be taken to manage symptoms or conditions affecting other areas of the body. —Ashley Wong, Health, 17 Oct. 2024

For younger adults, even a worrying symptom like bleeding is much more likely to have a simple cause, like hemorrhoids or a urinary tract infection. —Amy Norton, SELF, 27 Sep. 2024

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

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

Kids Definition

hemorrhoid

noun

hem·​or·​rhoid ˈhem-(ə-)ˌrȯid 

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

ˈhem-(ə-)ˌrȯid 

: 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