-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
diverticulosis
noun
di·ver·tic·u·lo·sis
ˌdī-vər-ˌti-kyə-ˈlō-səs
: an intestinal disorder characterized by the presence of many diverticula
Examples of diverticulosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As noted above, this can occur with structural abnormalities in your GI tract caused by, for example, surgeries that leave behind scar tissue or diseases that affect the shape of your bowels (like diverticulosis, which creates pouches in the intestinal walls).
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024
These pouches are often harmless and cause no symptoms — a condition called diverticulosis.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024
They were traditionally thought to be caused from high pressure in the colon (such as in people with constipation); however, recent studies have shown that constipation doesn’t increase risk for diverticulosis.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 10 Aug. 2023
For example, diverticulosis is a condition that forms small pouches that push on weak spots in the colon wall.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 8 May 2023
Severe diverticulosis was the only finding.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2013
For instance, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends people with diverticulosis—a disease in which little sacs bulge out of the weak areas of your colon wall—incorporate more fiber into their diet.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 31 Mar. 2022
In fact, many people live with diverticulosis without any complications.
—Karen Pallarito, Health.com, 4 Nov. 2021
About 15%–20% of people with diverticulosis (or tiny pouches along the wall of the colon) will go on to develop diverticulitis during their lifetime, per Harvard Health.
—Karen Pallarito, Health.com, 3 Nov. 2021
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from New Latin dīverticulōsis (in German context), from dīverticulum diverticulum + -ōsis -osis
First Known Use
1917, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near diverticulosis
Cite this Entry
“Diverticulosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diverticulosis. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
diverticulosis
noun
di·ver·tic·u·lo·sis
-ˈlō-səs
plural diverticuloses
-ˌsēz
: an intestinal condition characterized by the presence of diverticula in the colon that is typically symptomless but may be marked by symptoms (as bleeding or constipation)
More from Merriam-Webster on diverticulosis
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diverticulosis
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share