What does prolapsed mean?
Prolapsed is the past tense and past participle of prolapse and is also used as an adjective. It describes an organ, tissue, or other body structure that has slipped or fallen out of its normal position. Common examples include a prolapsed intervertebral disc and uterine prolapse, in which the uterus descends from its usual position. The same form can function as an intransitive verb: a disc or organ may prolapse, meaning that it undergoes this displacement. The word belongs mainly to medical and veterinary contexts and has a more technical, sometimes alarming tone than broader alternatives such as “slipped” or “displaced.” It is particularly useful because it identifies a specific form of structural displacement rather than merely describing an object as having fallen, dropped, or shifted.
Having slipped or fallen out of its normal position, especially as an organ, tissue, or intervertebral disc.
"The patient was treated for a prolapsed intervertebral disc."
Chiefly medical; also common in veterinary usage.
To slip or fall out of the normal position of an organ or body structure.
"The valve prolapsed after the initial repair."
Usually intransitive and chiefly used in medical or veterinary contexts.
The Latin elements behind “prolapsed” mean roughly “slid forward,” a vivid description of organs or tissue slipping out of position.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prolapsed come from?
Prolapsed comes through English from Latin prolapsus, the past participle of prolabi. Its elements combine pro-, meaning “forward,” with labi, meaning “to slip” or “glide.” The same Latin root underlies words such as lapse, relapse, elapse, and collapse.
Related word forms
How prolapsed is actually used
The word is chiefly medical and formal, especially associated with organ displacement and intervertebral-disc problems. In nonmedical contexts it is uncommon and may sound deliberately clinical.
Easily confused with prolapsed
Collapsed generally means that something gave way or ceased functioning, whereas prolapsed specifically describes tissue or an organ slipping out of its normal position.