Enteromegaly

/ˌɛntəroʊˈmɛɡəli/ noun

Definition

An abnormal enlargement of the intestines, causing the intestinal walls to stretch and lose normal function.

Etymology

Greek 'enteron' (intestine) + 'megaly' (enlargement, from 'megas' meaning great or large). This variant of enteromegalia uses the more common '-megaly' ending seen in 'cardiomegaly' and 'splenomegaly'.

Kelly Says

The '-megaly' suffix is everywhere in medicine—'cardiomegaly' (enlarged heart), 'hepatomegaly' (enlarged liver), 'splenomegaly' (enlarged spleen)—whenever an organ gets too big, doctors use this handy suffix.

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