-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Plus, fistulas don’t typically form spontaneously, Dr. Ascher-Walsh says.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 Oct. 2024
Having a baby without medical help may be natural, but so is obstetric fistula and hemorrhaging to death.
—Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2024
Although rare, surgery may cause anastomotic leakage, pelvic abscesses, and rectovaginal fistula.
—Kasandra Brabaw, Health, 19 June 2024
After her fistula left her stinking of leaking waste, villagers took her to an exposed hut on the edge of town to be eaten by hyenas.
—Isobel Coleman, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2010
See all Example Sentences for fistula
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fistula.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin, pipe, fistula
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of fistula was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near fistula
Cite this Entry
“Fistula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fistula. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
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.
fistula
2 of 2
see cassia fistula
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share