How to Pronounce Intussusception
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Intussusception Pronunciation
in-tus-suh-SEP-shun
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
in
tus
suh
SEP
stress here
shun
5 syllables
What is Intussusception?
A serious condition, most common in infants and young children, in which one portion of the intestine slides into an adjacent section like a telescope collapsing — cutting off blood supply and blocking the bowel. It causes sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools, and requires prompt medical treatment.
Questions About Intussusception
How do you pronounce 'intussusception'?
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Say it like this: in-tus-suh-SEP-shun. The stress falls on the last syllable, which rhymes with 'section.' Think of it as four parts: 'in' (like the word 'in'), 'tus' (rhymes with 'bus'), 'suh' (like the 'a' in 'about'), and 'SEP-shun' (sounds like 'sep' + 'shun').
What is the most common mispronunciation of this word?
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Many people accidentally stress the wrong syllable and say 'IN-tus-sus-SEP-shun' with emphasis on the first syllable. The correct way puts the stress on the very last part: in-tus-suh-SEP-shun, with 'SEP' being the loudest.
How many syllables does 'intussusception' have?
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It has five syllables: in-tus-sus-cep-tion. Breaking it this way can help you say it more slowly and carefully if you're learning it for the first time.
What do the word parts 'intus' and 'susception' mean?
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'Intus' comes from Latin and means 'within' or 'inside.' 'Susception' comes from Latin 'suscipere,' which means 'to take up' or 'to receive.' Together, the word describes something being taken or drawn inside itself.
Is there a shorter way to say or write this word?
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The medical abbreviation is 'IS,' but doctors and nurses usually just say the full word 'intussusception' because it's more specific. You won't often hear people shortening it in conversation.
What is intussusception in simple, everyday language?
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Imagine a telescope where one tube slides inside another tube next to it—that's basically what happens with intussusception. A section of intestine folds in on itself like that, which blocks the bowel.
Are there other medical words that use 'susception' or 'intus'?
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Yes! The word 'susceptible' uses part of the same Latin root 'suscipere.' Another related term is 'invagination,' which describes a similar idea of something folding inward, though that word comes from Latin roots meaning 'to sheath' or 'to cover.'
Can you use 'intussusception' in a sentence?
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Here's an example: 'The doctor explained that the child's condition was intussusception, which required immediate attention.' Or: 'Intussusception is most commonly seen in infants and toddlers.'