atheroma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2/Technical)Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “atheroma” mean?
A fatty deposit forming a plaque in the inner lining of an artery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fatty deposit forming a plaque in the inner lining of an artery.
In pathology, the degenerative accumulation of lipid-containing plaques on the innermost layer of the wall of an artery; often used synonymously with 'atherosclerotic plaque'. In a broader historical sense, it can also refer to a sebaceous cyst or a tumour containing a porridge-like substance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the term identically in medical contexts.
Connotations
Purely medical/scientific; no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and technical in both varieties, confined to medical and biological fields.
Grammar
How to Use “atheroma” in a Sentence
Atheroma [develops/forms/accumulates] in the arteries.The [presence/severity] of atheroma.To [detect/visualise/treat] atheroma.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “atheroma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artery was found to be atheromatous.
- The process of atheromatous degeneration.
American English
- The vessel had become atheromatous.
- Atheromatous changes were noted.
adjective
British English
- The atheromatous plaque was calcified.
- He has significant atheromatous disease.
American English
- An atheromatous aorta poses a risk.
- Atheromatous debris can embolise.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and health science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in cardiology, pathology, and vascular surgery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “atheroma”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “atheroma”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “atheroma”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈæ.θər.ə.mə/ (stress on first syllable).
- Confusing 'atheroma' (the lesion) with 'atherosclerosis' (the disease process).
- Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'He has many atheromas' is less common than 'He has extensive atheroma').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Atherosclerosis is the disease process of artery hardening and narrowing. An atheroma (or atherosclerotic plaque) is one of the specific fatty lesions that forms as a result of that disease.
Yes, atherosclerosis typically involves the formation of multiple atheromatous plaques throughout the arterial system.
No. While critically important in heart (coronary) arteries, atheroma can form in any artery, including those in the neck (carotid), brain, legs, and the main aorta.
The main dangers are narrowing the artery (causing reduced blood flow, e.g., angina) and rupture of the plaque, which can trigger a blood clot leading to a heart attack or stroke.
A fatty deposit forming a plaque in the inner lining of an artery.
Atheroma is usually technical/medical in register.
Atheroma: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæθ.əˈrəʊ.mə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæθ.əˈroʊ.mə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Athero-' (related to porridge or gruel, from Greek 'atherē') + '-oma' (tumor/swelling). A 'porridge-like swelling' in your artery.
Conceptual Metaphor
PIPE CLOGGING: Arteries are pipes; atheroma is the gunk that builds up and narrows them.
Practice
Quiz
What is an 'atheroma' primarily?