What does hernia mean?
A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weakness in the wall of a body cavity. It most often occurs in the abdomen, particularly at the groin, navel, or a previous surgical incision, but it can also involve the diaphragm or other areas. The word is used in both medical and general contexts: clinicians may speak of an inguinal, umbilical, incisional, or hiatal hernia, while ordinary conversation usually means an abdominal hernia. A hernia can sometimes be reduced back into place, but pain, obstruction, or impaired blood supply may require prompt medical attention. Historically, the term comes from Latin, where it meant a rupture or protrusion, and it reflects an older view of the condition as a body wall giving way. Today, “hernia” remains useful because it identifies the distinctive mechanism and location of the problem rather than merely describing pain or a lump.
nounA protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weakness in the wall of a body cavity, most commonly the abdominal wall. Hernias occur especially in the groin, navel, diaphragm, and areas of previous surgical incisions.
- The protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weakness in the wall of a body cavity, especially the abdominal wall.
"The surgeon repaired the patient's inguinal hernia with a mesh patch."
"A strangulated inguinal hernia required emergency surgery."
"The report noted that the umbilical hernia had become obstructed and needed prompt repair."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple hernias, whether in one person or across a group of patients.
"Two hernias were detected during the examination."
From Latin for “rupture,” a hernia is the body's version of a wall giving way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hernia come from?
The English word entered medical usage through Latin, in which hernia meant “rupture” or “protrusion.” The Latin term is generally traced to Greek hernē, meaning “rupture,” itself associated with the idea of something bursting or protruding. Over time, the medical sense developed into the specific condition in which an organ or tissue passes through a weakened body wall. The related forms hernial, herniation, and herniotomy preserve the same root.
Related word forms
How hernia is actually used
This is primarily a medical term. In general use, it refers to an abdominal or inguinal hernia; more specific forms are usually named according to the location involved.
Easily confused with hernia
A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or tissue through a body wall, whereas a hemorrhage is bleeding, especially from a damaged blood vessel.