Definition

A part of the body where tissue has died because it did not get enough blood.

Example

The doctor explained that the patient had an infarct in the heart muscle.

Conversation

I heard that my uncle had an infarct last week.

Oh no, that's serious! How is he doing now?

He's recovering, but they say it was a close call because of the blood flow issues.

I'm glad to hear he's okay, but that sounds really scary.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Infarct → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "farctus" (from the Latin verb "farcire", meaning to stuff or cram). The word "infarct" refers to tissue that has been stuffed or filled with dead cells due to a lack of blood supply, typically in the context of a heart attack.

Memory Tip

Think of tissue that has been 'stuffed' ('farcire') with dead cells because blood could not get 'into' ('in-') it — that's why an infarct refers to this condition.

Visually Confused Words