Atheromatous is a medical term that is commonly used to describe the formation of fatty deposits or plaques in the walls of arteries. These deposits can lead to a range of health problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of atheromatous, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Atheromatous is an adjective that refers to the presence of atheroma, which is a type of plaque that forms in the inner lining of arteries. Atheroma is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, and it can cause the arteries to become narrowed and hardened. This can lead to reduced blood flow to vital organs and tissues, which can cause a range of health problems.
Origin
The term atheromatous comes from the Greek word atheroma, which means “gruel” or “porridge.” This term was first used in the medical literature in the early 19th century to describe the fatty deposits that were found in the walls of arteries.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, atheromatous means “relating to or marked by the presence of atheroma.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines atheromatous as “pertaining to or characterized by the formation of atheroma.”
Associations
Atheromatous plaques are commonly associated with a range of health problems, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. These conditions can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, and numbness or weakness in the limbs.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for atheromatous include:
- Arteriosclerotic.
- Fatty.
- Lipid-laden.
- Plaque-filled.
- Cholesterol-laden.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for atheromatous, but some terms that are opposite in meaning include:
- Healthy.
- Clear.
- Open.
- Unobstructed.
The same root words
Some other words that share the same root as atheromatous include:
- Atherosclerosis.
- Atherogenic.
- Atherogenicity.
Example Sentences
- The patient’s angiogram showed extensive atheromatous plaques in his coronary arteries.
- The surgeon removed the atheromatous plaque from the patient’s carotid artery to prevent a stroke.
- A diet high in saturated fat can contribute to the development of atheromatous plaques in the arteries.
Atheromatous is a medical term that is used to describe the formation of fatty deposits in the walls of arteries. These deposits can lead to a range of health problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. By understanding the definition and meaning of atheromatous, we can better understand the underlying causes and treatments for these conditions.