Search Result for "hernia": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (1)

1. rupture in smooth muscle tissue through which a bodily structure protrudes;
[syn: hernia, herniation]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Hernia \Her"ni*a\, n.; pl. E. Hernias, L. Herni[ae]. [L.] (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. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

hernia n 1: rupture in smooth muscle tissue through which a bodily structure protrudes [syn: hernia, herniation]