arterial plaque

Friendly

Word: Arterial Plaque

Definition: Arterial plaque is a thick, sticky substance made up of fat, cholesterol, and other materials that builds up inside the walls of arteries. This buildup can narrow the arteries and make it harder for blood to flow, which is a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Usage Instructions

• Type: Noun
• Pronunciation: /ɑːˈtɪəriəl plæk/
• Context: It is often used in medical or health-related discussions.

Example Sentence

• "Doctors found arterial plaque in his arteries during the health check-up, which is a sign of potential heart disease."

Advanced Usage

In advanced discussions, you might see the term used in studies or medical literature: - "The presence of arterial plaque is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes."

Word Variants

• Artery (noun): The blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
• Plaque (noun): A general term for a sticky deposit that can occur in various contexts, not just arteries.

Different Meanings

While "plaque" can refer to a buildup in arteries, it can also refer to: - A thin, flat piece of metal or wood that has writing on it, often used as a marker or a commemorative sign (e.g., a plaque on a wall to honor someone).

Synonyms

• Atherosclerotic plaque: More specific term referring to plaque associated with atherosclerosis.
• Fatty deposit: A general term that describes the same concept.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs related specifically to "arterial plaque," you may come across phrases in discussions about health: - "Clogged arteries": This phrase refers to the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup, which can lead to serious health issues.

Summary

Arterial plaque is a medical term that describes a harmful buildup in the arteries.

Academic

Noun

1. a fatty deposit inside an arterial wall; characteristic of atherosclerosis