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
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.
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

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

Rhymes for diverticulosis

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Browse Nearby Words

diverticulitis
diverticulosis
diverticulum
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Cite this Entry

“Diverticulosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diverticulosis. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diverticulosis

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