intussusception

noun

in·​tus·​sus·​cep·​tion ˌin-tə-sə-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce intussusception (audio)
: a drawing in of something from without: such as
a
: invagination
especially : the slipping of a length of intestine into an adjacent portion usually producing obstruction
b
: the assimilation of new material and its dispersal among preexistent matter
intussusceptive
ˌin-tə-sə-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce intussusception (audio)
adjective

Examples of intussusception in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The vaccine also carries a very small risk of intussusception. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024 In the 35 years since, more than 8,000 families have received in excess of $4 billion to compensate them for the effects of severe allergic reactions, a type of brain swelling called encephalopathy, an intestinal problem called intussusception or other serious problems. — Karen Kaplan Science and Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Latin intus within + susception-, susceptio action of undertaking, from suscipere to take up — more at susceptible

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intussusception was in 1707

Rhymes for intussusception

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“Intussusception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intussusception. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

intussusception

noun
in·​tus·​sus·​cep·​tion -ˈsep-shən How to pronounce intussusception (audio)
1
: invagination
especially : the slipping of a length of intestine into an adjacent portion usually producing obstruction
2
: the deposition of new particles of formative material among those already embodied in a tissue or structure (as in the growth of living organisms) compare accretion, apposition sense 1
intussusceptive
-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce intussusception (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on intussusception

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intussusception

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