[an-yuh-riz-uh
m] 
| a permanent cardiac or arterial dilatation usually caused by weakening of the vessel wall. |
| an·eu·rysm also an·eu·rism (ān'yə-rĭz'əm) n. A localized, pathological, blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel caused by a disease or weakening of the vessel's wall. [Middle English aneurisme, ultimately from Greek aneurusma, from aneurein, to dilate : ana-, throughout; see ana- + eurus, wide.] an'eu·rys'mal (-məl) adj. |
aneurysm an·eu·rysm or an·eu·rism (ān'yə-rĭz'əm)
n.
A localized, blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall.
| aneurysm (ān'yə-rĭz'əm) Pronunciation Key
A localized, blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel or cardiac chamber caused by disease, such as arteriosclerosis, or weakening of the vessel or chamber wall. A ruptured aneurysm results in hemorrhage and is often fatal. |