noun
stenosis
stuh-NOH-sis
Stenosis (noun) means an abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body, such as a blood vessel, heart valve or the spinal canal, which restricts what can pass through it. Example: “The scan showed severe stenosis of the left carotid artery.”
noun
1
An abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body, such as a blood vessel, heart valve or the spinal canal, which restricts what can pass through it.
"The scan showed severe stenosis of the left carotid artery."
"Spinal stenosis was pressing on the nerve and causing the leg pain."
How to use stenosis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA part of the body that has become too narrow.
When to use it
Medical.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
spinal stenosis
aortic stenosis
carotid stenosis
severe stenosis
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The scan showed severe _____ of the left carotid artery.
Etymology
From Greek 'stenosis', a narrowing, from 'stenos' meaning 'narrow'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for stenosis
meiosis
mitosis
osmosis
acidosis
necrosis
neurosis
hypnosis
fibrosis
silicosis
diagnosis
prognosis
symbiosis
See all rhymes for stenosis →
Frequently asked questions
What is spinal stenosis?
It is a narrowing of the spinal canal or the openings where nerves exit, most often in the lower back or neck. The narrowing squeezes the spinal cord or nerve roots, producing pain, numbness or weakness that typically eases when the person sits or leans forward.
What is the difference between stenosis and occlusion?
Stenosis is a partial narrowing: something still gets through, just less of it. An occlusion is a complete blockage. A stenosis can progress to an occlusion if it worsens.
How is stenosis treated?
It depends on the site and severity. Options range from physiotherapy and medication to procedures that widen the passage, such as stenting an artery, replacing a heart valve, or surgery to relieve pressure on the spine.
What is the meaning of stenosis?
"stenosis" (noun) means an abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body, such as a blood vessel, heart valve or the spinal canal, which restricts what can pass through it.
