noun

atherosclerosis

ath-uh-roh-skluh-ROH-sis

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Atherosclerosis (noun) means Atherosclerosis is the hardening or narrowing of arteries and blood vessels caused by a build-up of fatty deposits, usually cholesterol. Example: “Atherosclerosis develops gradually as fatty deposits build up along the artery walls.”

noun

medicine Atherosclerosis is the hardening or narrowing of arteries and blood vessels caused by a build-up of fatty deposits, usually cholesterol.

"Atherosclerosis develops gradually as fatty deposits build up along the artery walls."

"Doctors often link atherosclerosis to a higher risk of heart disease."

"A diet high in cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis over time."

How to use atherosclerosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishArteries becoming narrow and stiff because fatty deposits build up inside them.

When to use it

Atherosclerosis is a medical term used mainly by doctors and in health writing.

Memory tip

Athero- points to the fatty plaque, and -sclerosis means hardening, so the word literally describes hardening caused by fatty build-up.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

arteriosclerosis

Common pairings

risk of atherosclerosis atherosclerosis develops signs of atherosclerosis treat atherosclerosis

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “atherosclerosis” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ develops gradually as fatty deposits build up along the artery walls.

Etymology

Atherosclerosis is formed from athero-, pointing to the fatty plaque involved, joined to sclerosis, the medical word for hardening.

Origin: scientific compound (Greek-derived)

Rhymes for atherosclerosis

meiosis mitosis osmosis stenosis acidosis zoonosis cyanosis necrosis neurosis hypnosis fibrosis silicosis

See all rhymes for atherosclerosis →

Frequently asked questions

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of arteries and blood vessels caused by a build-up of fatty deposits, usually cholesterol.

What's the difference between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is the broader term for hardened arteries, and most cases of arteriosclerosis turn out to be atherosclerosis specifically.

Is atherosclerosis linked to heart disease?

Yes, atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease and is closely associated with problems affecting the heart and blood vessels.

What is the meaning of atherosclerosis?

"atherosclerosis" (noun) means atherosclerosis is the hardening or narrowing of arteries and blood vessels caused by a build-up of fatty deposits, usually cholesterol.