diverticulosis

noun

di·​ver·​tic·​u·​lo·​sis ˌdī-vər-ˌti-kyə-ˈlō-səs How to pronounce diverticulosis (audio)
: an intestinal disorder characterized by the presence of many diverticula

Examples of diverticulosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As noted above, this can occur with structural abnormalities in your GI tract caused by, for example, surgeries that leave behind scar tissue or diseases that affect the shape of your bowels (like diverticulosis, which creates pouches in the intestinal walls). Erica Sloan, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024 These pouches are often harmless and cause no symptoms — a condition called diverticulosis. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024 They were traditionally thought to be caused from high pressure in the colon (such as in people with constipation); however, recent studies have shown that constipation doesn’t increase risk for diverticulosis. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 10 Aug. 2023 For example, diverticulosis is a condition that forms small pouches that push on weak spots in the colon wall. Health Editorial Team, Health, 8 May 2023 Severe diverticulosis was the only finding. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2013 For instance, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends people with diverticulosis—a disease in which little sacs bulge out of the weak areas of your colon wall—incorporate more fiber into their diet. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 31 Mar. 2022 In fact, many people live with diverticulosis without any complications. Karen Pallarito, Health.com, 4 Nov. 2021 About 15%–20% of people with diverticulosis (or tiny pouches along the wall of the colon) will go on to develop diverticulitis during their lifetime, per Harvard Health. Karen Pallarito, Health.com, 3 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diverticulosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin dīverticulōsis (in German context), from dīverticulum diverticulum + -ōsis -osis

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diverticulosis was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near diverticulosis

Cite this Entry

“Diverticulosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diverticulosis. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

diverticulosis

noun
di·​ver·​tic·​u·​lo·​sis -ˈlō-səs How to pronounce diverticulosis (audio)
plural diverticuloses -ˌsēz How to pronounce diverticulosis (audio)
: an intestinal condition characterized by the presence of diverticula in the colon that is typically symptomless but may be marked by symptoms (as bleeding or constipation)

More from Merriam-Webster on diverticulosis

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