atresia

noun

atre·​sia ə-ˈtrē-zhə 

1

: absence or closure of a natural passage of the body

2

: absence or disappearance of an anatomical part (such as an ovarian follicle) by degeneration

Examples of atresia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Upon his arrival, Psalm was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare condition that affects an infant’s liver, and required a liver transplant. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Nolan suffered from biliary atresia, a condition where bile ducts –– which carry the bile the liver makes into the intestines –– don’t develop properly. — Camila Gomez, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026

Eloise was born with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula. — Will Croxton, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026

At the age of 20 years old, Dominique Barnes gave birth to her son Phoenix in 2016, who was born with multiple congenital heart defects including tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries. — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from a- entry 2 + Greek trēsis perforation, from tetrainein to pierce — more at throw entry 1

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for atresia

• amnesia
• babesia
• anaesthesia
• analgesia
• anesthesia
• dyskinesia
• paresthesia
• hyperalgesia
• hyperesthesia

Medical Definition

atresia

noun

atre·​sia ə-ˈtrē-zhə 

1

: absence or closure of a natural passage of the body

atresia of the small intestine

2

: absence or disappearance of an anatomical part (as an ovarian follicle) by degeneration