hiatus hernia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowMedical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “hiatus hernia” mean?
A medical condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
A protrusion of the upper part of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus (opening) in the diaphragm, which can cause acid reflux and other digestive symptoms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the same term.
Connotations
Purely medical/clinical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to medical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “hiatus hernia” in a Sentence
Patient + have/suffer from + a hiatus herniaSurgeon + repair + a hiatus herniaVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and biological research papers.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation; typically discussed with a doctor.
Technical
Common in medical diagnostics, surgery, and gastroenterology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hiatus hernia”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hiatus hernia”
- Misspelling as 'hiatus hernea' or 'hiadus hernia'.
- Confusing it with a general 'stomach hernia'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most are not dangerous and are managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Large or symptomatic hernias may require surgery to prevent complications.
Common symptoms include heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and belching.
Yes, many cases are managed effectively with dietary modifications, weight loss, elevating the head during sleep, and anti-reflux medications.
There is no difference; 'hiatal hernia' is simply a variant spelling and pronunciation of the same medical condition.
A medical condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Hiatus hernia is usually medical/technical in register.
Hiatus hernia: in British English it is pronounced /haɪˌeɪ.təs ˈhɜː.ni.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /haɪˌeɪ.t̬əs ˈhɝː.ni.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'HIATUS' (a gap or opening) in your diaphragm where your stomach takes a 'HERNIA' (a break) and pushes through.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BULGE THROUGH A HOLE.
Practice
Quiz
What is a hiatus hernia?