hernia
Hernia (noun) means a condition in which an internal part of the body, often a loop of intestine, pushes through a weak spot or tear in the surrounding muscle wall, most commonly around the abdomen or groin. Example: “He needed surgery after the doctor diagnosed a hernia near his belly button.”
How to use hernia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bulge that forms when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall, usually in the abdomen or groin.
It is a physical bulge or tear, not a type of pain by itself — pain is just one possible symptom.
Word forms
hernias plural, herniae plural, herniæ plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He needed surgery after the doctor diagnosed a _____ near his belly button.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Latin hernia, meaning a protruding organ.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for hernia
See all rhymes for hernia →Frequently asked questions
What does “hernia” mean?
The word “hernia” means a condition in which an internal part of the body, often a loop of intestine, pushes through a weak spot or tear in the surrounding muscle wall, most commonly around the abdomen or groin. In plain terms, a bulge that forms when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall, usually in the abdomen or groin.
How do you pronounce “hernia”?
“Hernia” is pronounced HUR-nee-uh (/ˈhɜː(ɹ)niə/ in IPA).
How do you use “hernia” in a sentence?
Here is “hernia” used in a sentence: “He needed surgery after the doctor diagnosed a hernia near his belly button.”
What part of speech is “hernia”?
“Hernia” is a noun.
Where does the word “hernia” come from?
The word “hernia” comes from Latin. Borrowed directly from Latin hernia, meaning a protruding organ.