fistula

noun

fis·​tu·​la ˈfis-chə-lə 

ˈfish-

plural fistulas or fistulae ˈfis-chə-ˌlē  -ˌlī 

ˈfish-

: an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions

Examples of fistula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The inflammation caused a fistula, a sort of tunnel in the tissue going from my butt to my skin. —Jj Courtney, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Other symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa include blackheads and, in severe cases, abscesses and tunnels underneath the skin (known as fistulas or sinus tracts). —Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2024

For some, diverticulitis can lead to complications such as abscesses, fistulas, urinary problems, blockages, or bleeding. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

Plus, fistulas don’t typically form spontaneously, Dr. Ascher-Walsh says. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, pipe, fistula

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fistula

noun

fis·​tu·​la ˈfis-chə-lə 

plural fistulas or fistulae -ˌlē 

-ˌlī

: an abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ

Medical Definition

fistula

1 of 2 noun

fis·​tu·​la

ˈfis(h)-chə-lə, British also ˈfis-tyu̇-lə

plural fistulas or fistulae

-lē also -lī

1

: an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions

a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula

an arteriovenous fistula was reconstructed in the right arm for dialysis

—Pasteur Rasuli et al.

2

: fistulous withers

fistula

2 of 2

see cassia fistula