noun

hernia

HUR-nee-uh

Quiz me More like this

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.”

noun

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.

"He needed surgery after the doctor diagnosed a hernia near his belly button."

"Lifting the heavy crate the wrong way can cause a hernia."

How to use hernia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA bulge that forms when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall, usually in the abdomen or groin.

Common mistake

It is a physical bulge or tear, not a type of pain by itself — pain is just one possible symptom.

Common pairings

a hernia operation develop a hernia a hiatal hernia

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like hernia.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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”.

Word forms

Plural: hernias, herniae, herniæ

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

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.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

herniation

Related words

herniation

Rhymes for hernia

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia anaemia

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.

People also searched

herniation