diverticulum noun. [dʌɪvǝ'tɪkjʊlǝm] Pl. -la [-lǝ]. M17.
[medieval Latin = byway, var. of Latin deverticulum, from devertere turn down or aside, from de DE- 1 + vertere to turn: see -CULE.]
1. A byway; a way out, a means of exit. M17-E18.

2. Medicine. A blind tube or sac forming a side-branch of a cavity or passage, esp. an abnormal one in the colon etc. E19.
Meckel's diverticulum: see MECKEL 1. Zenker diverticulum, Zenker pulsion diverticulum, Zenker's diverticulum, Zenker's pulsion diverticulum: see ZENKER noun¹.

■ diverticular adjective pertaining to, affecting, or of the nature of a diverticulum M19.

■ diverticulate adjective having a diverticulum L19.

■ ,diverticu'lectomy noun (an instance of) surgical removal of an abnormal diverticulum E20.

■ ,diverticu'litis noun (Medicine) inflammation of an abnormal diverticulum, esp. in the intestine E20.

■ ,diverticu'losis noun (Medicine) the presence of abnormal diverticula, esp. in the intestine E20.

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