Volvuluses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A medical condition characterized by a twisting of the intestines, causing obstruction
2. A serious health issue that involves the rotation of a segment of the bowel around its mesenteric attachment
3. A surgical emergency that occurs when the intestine folds over itself, leading to potential tissue necrosis

Etymology: "Volvuluses" is simply the plural of "volvulus," the medical term for a twisting of the intestines that cuts off its blood supply. The plural follows the regular English pattern of adding "-es" to words ending in "-us," so the form needs no special explanation. The noun itself is a learned borrowing from Late Latin "volvulus," which meant "tending to roll." That Latin word comes from the verb "volvere," "to roll" or "to turn," the same root behind English words such as "revolve" and "involve." The image is literal: a loop of bowel rolling over on itself, much as a stick of wood or a scroll turns.

Synonyms: volvulus cases, intestinal twists