aneurysm

noun

an·​eu·​rysm ˈan-yə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce aneurysm (audio)
variants or less commonly aneurism
: an abnormal blood-filled bulge of a blood vessel and especially an artery resulting from weakening (as from disease) of the vessel wall
aneurysmal
ˌan-yə-ˈriz-məl How to pronounce aneurysm (audio)
adjective

Examples of aneurysm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Four years ago, Turner overcame a greater health crisis after an aortic aneurysm was discovered. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 10 June 2026 The actress recently opened up about being diagnosed with a possible brain aneurysm before filming a major scene. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 June 2026 An autopsy later determined the cause of Grant’s shocking death, at just 49 years old, to be a ruptured ascending aortic aneurysm. — Sam McDowell 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 In November 2024, Roselli performed open-heart surgery, repairing both the aneurysm and the aortic valve. — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aneurysm

Word History

Etymology

Greek aneurysma, from aneurynein to dilate, from ana- + eurynein to stretch, from eurys wide — more at eury-

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aneurysm was in the 15th century

Rhymes for aneurysm

See All Rhymes for aneurysm

Browse Nearby Words

aneurilemmic
aneurysm
aneurysmal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aneurysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aneurysm. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

aneurysm

noun
an·​eu·​rysm
variants also aneurism
ˈan-yə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce aneurysm (audio)
: an abnormal blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel and especially an artery resulting from disease of the vessel wall
aneurysmal adjective
also aneurismal
ˌan-yə-ˈriz-məl How to pronounce aneurysm (audio)
aneurysmally
-ē How to pronounce aneurysm (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on aneurysm

Nglish: Translation of aneurysm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aneurysm

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