Enterocele

/ˈɛntərəˌsil/ noun

Definition

A hernia in which part of the small intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall or pelvic floor.

Etymology

From Greek 'enteron' (intestine) + 'kele' (hernia/tumor). The '-cele' suffix in medical terminology always indicates an abnormal protrusion or swelling.

Kelly Says

The '-cele' suffix is medicine's way of saying 'bulge'—varicose veins are 'phleboceles,' a hydrocele is a fluid bulge in the scrotum—once you know the suffix, you can decode any '-cele' word.

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