hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae ˈhər-nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: a protrusion of an organ or part (such as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

hernial adjective

Examples of hernia in a Sentence

He was treated for hernia.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In her second year at the shelter, in 2023, her health started to decline — first a hernia, then ovarian cancer. Sawyer Loftus, ProPublica, 12 Dec. 2024 After stitching the sac, the surgeon may also use stitches or mesh to close a hole in the abdominal wall (called a hernia repair).19 Varicocele repair (varicocelectomy) involves an incision in the groin or lower abdomen to access the varicocele. Josephine Hessert, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024 Twenty-eight staff members and four inmates, including Garcia, suffered injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to a hernia and serious head trauma. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024 After hernia surgery in April ended his 2023-24 season prematurely, Fernandez recovered and played a big part in Argentina’s Copa America triumph, playing as an attacking No 8 alongside Mac Allister for coach Lionel Scaloni. Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hernia 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hernia, hernie, hirnia, borrowed from Latin hernia, hirnia, of uncertain origin

Note: See note at haruspex.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hernia was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near hernia

Cite this Entry

“Hernia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hernia. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio)
-nē-ˌī
: a sticking out of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

Medical Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: a protrusion of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

see abdominal hernia, hiatal hernia, strangulated hernia
hernial adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hernia

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