hiatus hernia

A hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia is the protrusion (or herniation) of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm.
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Hiatus hernia n. See hiatal hernia. Hiatus hernia A protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm to a position next to the esophagus. [more]Hiatus hernia - Community and Resources

Noun
1. hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm
(synonym) hiatal hernia, diaphragmatic hernia
(hypernym) hernia, herniation

Protrusion of the stomach up into the opening normally occupied by the esophagus in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest (thoracic) cavity from the abdomen. Hiatus in Latin means an opening.