aneurysm

/ˌænjəˈrɪzəm/

/ˈænjərɪzəm/

Other forms: aneurysms

Sometimes an artery wall weakens in a spot, causing a pouch-like bulge of pooled blood called an aneurysm. If it bursts, it can be life-threatening.

While aneurysms can form anywhere, they are most common in the brain and cardiac areas. This is a very serious medical event that can cause injury and even death. Even though aneurysms are potentially deadly, people use the word sometimes in exaggerations. For example, if you see that someone is getting mad, you might say, "Don't have an aneurysm about it!" That just means something like "Take it easy! Don't get so excited."

Definitions of aneurysm

1. noun

   a cardiovascular disease characterized by a saclike widening of an artery resulting from weakening of the artery wall
   synonyms: aneurism

   types:

   aortic aneurysm

   an aneurysm of the aorta

   cerebral aneurysm

   an aneurysm of the carotid artery

   intracranial aneurysm

   an aneurysm of a cranial artery

   ventricular aneurysm

   a localized dilation or protrusion on the wall of the left ventricle of the heart (occurring after a myocardial infarction)

   AAA, abdominal aortic aneurysm

   an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension

   type of:

   cardiovascular disease

   a disease of the heart or blood vessels