What does prolapse mean?
A prolapse is the slipping or displacement of an organ or other body part from its normal position. The term is especially common in medicine, where it can describe the downward movement or outward protrusion of pelvic organs, including the uterus, as well as rectal prolapse, hernias, and the rare but urgent prolapse of an umbilical cord during childbirth. As a verb, prolapse describes this movement: the affected tissue or organ slips or falls from its expected place. The word can therefore suggest both a physical condition and the process by which that condition develops. In general discussion, it is more technical than words such as slip or fall and is usually reserved for a medical or anatomical context. A related word, relapse, concerns the return of an illness rather than the displacement of a body part.
The slipping or displacement of an organ or body part from its normal position, especially through an opening or downward from its supporting structures.
"Pelvic-floor exercises may help prevent uterine prolapse after childbirth."
The term is chiefly medical and commonly refers to pelvic-organ, rectal, or umbilical-cord prolapse.
To slip, fall, or protrude from the expected position, especially as an organ or body part moves from its normal position.
"The internal tissue prolapsed when the supporting muscles weakened."
Often used intransitively in medical descriptions, as in “the organ may prolapse.”
The plural is used when referring to multiple cases or occurrences of prolapse.
"The surgeon treated several prolapses with minimally invasive procedures."
A prolapse turns a simple word of movement into a vivid medical image: an organ has literally slipped out of place.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prolapse come from?
Prolapse comes through medical usage from Latin prolapsus, a form of the past participle of prolabi, meaning “to slip or fall forward.” The Latin verb combines pro-, meaning “forward,” with labi, meaning “to slip, fall, or glide.” English also has several related words derived from the same Latin root, including lapse, collapse, and relapse.
Related word forms
How prolapse is actually used
In modern usage, prolapse is chiefly a medical term. It commonly describes the descent or protrusion of pelvic organs, rectal tissue, a hernia, or an umbilical cord and is often discussed in connection with diagnosis, repair, and surgery.
Easily confused with prolapse
A prolapse is the displacement of a body part from its proper position, whereas a relapse is the return of an illness or harmful condition after recovery or improvement.