atherosclerosis

noun

ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌa-thə-ˌrō-sklə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries
atherosclerotic adjective

Examples of atherosclerosis 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.
Part of the body's response to this inflammation results in build-up of cholesterol plaque, or atherosclerosis. Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 23 June 2026 When estrogen levels drop, blood vessels can stiffen—an early step toward high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries. Cathy Nelson, Health, 26 May 2026 According to Mayo Clinic, atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances − also known as plaque − in the arteries. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 6 May 2026 Early endothelial dysfunction is now understood to precede more advanced atherosclerosis. Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for atherosclerosis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atherosclerosis was in 1910

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Atherosclerosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atherosclerosis. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

atherosclerosis

noun
ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
: hardening and thickening of the walls of arteries due to deposit of fatty substances in the inner layer

Medical Definition

atherosclerosis

noun
ath·​ero·​scle·​ro·​sis ˌath-ə-rō-sklə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
plural atheroscleroses -ˌsēz How to pronounce atherosclerosis (audio)
: an arteriosclerosis characterized by atheromatous deposits in and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries
atherosclerotic adjective
atherosclerotically adverb

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