diverticulum

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a pouch, sac, or blind branch projecting from the wall of a hollow or tubular organ

   The caecum forms a blind diverticulum branching from the intestine.

2. 2
   noun

   embryology and zoology: an outgrowth or side branch from a developing organ or cavity

   The respiratory diverticulum develops as an outgrowth of the embryonic foregut.

Borrowed from Latin diverticulum or deverticulum, 'a byroad, retreat, or turning aside,' from divertere, 'to turn away.' Anatomy uses the image of a side road for a pouch or branch leading away from an organ's main channel.

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