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 ghost explains that for the past 30 years John has been punishing his arteries with lousy food choices, resulting in the beginning stages of atherosclerosis — clogging of his arteries. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024

What was found to be a significant factor in Farley’s death, however, was coronary atherosclerosis, or a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, the medical examiner reported, per the Chicago Tribune. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is an early marker of atherosclerosis and is used to assess heart disease risk.5 4. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 Dec. 2024

Indirectly, obesity accelerates the process of atherosclerosis and heart failure because of its impact on blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. —New Atlas, 24 Nov. 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