atherosclerosis

noun

ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌa-thə-ˌrō-sklə-ˈrō-səs 

: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries

atherosclerotic

ˌa-thə-ˌrō-sklə-ˈrä-tik 

adjective

Examples of atherosclerosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition that occurs when substances such as fat and cholesterol (plaque) build up in the walls of blood vessels. —Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024

High-Cholesterol Foods Foods high in cholesterol can negatively affect blood pressure, contributing to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup that narrows and stiffens the arteries). —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 8 Oct. 2024

The manner of death was likely atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries, Truman said. —Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024

Hawthorn may also protect against atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in your arteries) and indigestion and prevent skin aging. —Joy Emeh, Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

atherosclerosis

noun

ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs 

: hardening and thickening of the walls of arteries due to deposit of fatty substances in the inner layer

Medical Definition

atherosclerosis

noun

ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs 

plural atheroscleroses -ˌsēz 

: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries

atherosclerotic

-sklə-ˈrät-ik 

adjective

atherosclerotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb