noun
hernia
HUR-nee-uh
noun
1
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 notesIn 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
Word Forms
hernias plural, herniae plural, herniæ plural
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He needed surgery after the doctor diagnosed a _____ near his belly button.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Latin hernia, meaning a protruding organ.