Definition

A fatty deposit that forms in the inner layer of an artery, which can lead to health problems by narrowing the artery.

Example

Doctors found an atheroma in the patient's artery during the examination.

Conversation

I recently learned about something called atheroma in my health class.

Oh really? What is it exactly?

It's basically a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.

That sounds serious! I had no idea that could happen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Atheroma → It is formed from "ather" (from Greek "athera", meaning porridge or gruel) and "-oma" (from Greek "oma", meaning tumor or swelling). The word "atheroma" refers to a tumor or swelling that resembles porridge, typically found in the arteries as a fatty deposit.

Memory Tip

Think of 'porridge' ('ather') to remember that 'atheroma' refers to a fatty swelling or deposit in the arteries.

Visually Confused Words