Hernia

n.

1.

(Med.) A protrusion, consisting of an organ or part which has escaped from its natural cavity, and projects through some natural or accidental opening in the walls of the latter; as, hernia of the brain, of the lung, or of the bowels. Hernia of the abdominal viscera in most common. Called also rupture. Strangulated hernia a hernia so tightly compressed in some part of the channel through which it has been protruded as to arrest its circulation, and produce swelling of the protruded part. It may occur in recent or chronic hernia, but is more common in the latter.

Noun

1.

hernia - rupture in smooth muscle tissue through which a bodily structure protrudes Synonyms: herniation

Pronunciation: (HUR-nee-uh)

The part of an internal organ that pushes through an opening in the organ's wall. Most hernias occur in the abdominal area.

colpocele, diaphragmatic hernia, diverticulum, eventration, exomphalos, herniation, hiatal hernia, hiatus hernia, inguinal hernia, keratocele, laparocele, omphalocele, rupture, umbilical hernia, vaginocele