atresia

(ə trēz̸hə)

noun

an abnormality of the structure of a canal, duct, or body opening caused by a failure to develop properly or by an acquired closure, as with scar tissue

See atresia in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular passage such as the anus, intestine, or external ear canal.
  2. The degeneration and resorption of one or more ovarian follicles before a state of maturity has been reached.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin atrēsia

Origin: : Greek a-, not, without; see a-1

Origin: + Greek trēsis, perforation, orifice; see terə-1 in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • a·tre·sic (-zĭk, -sĭk) adjective

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