sigmoid
adjective
sig·moid
ˈsig-ˌmȯid 
variants
or less commonly sigmoidal
1
a
: curved like the letter C
b
: curved in two directions like the letter S
2
: of, relating to, or being the sigmoid colon
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The shape sense of sigmoid is most often used in scientific contexts to describe an s-shaped curve on a graph. Usually, though, sigmoid is used in contexts relating to the sigmoid colon-the contracted and crooked part of the colon immediately above the rectum. Sigmoid comes from sigma, the name of the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet. At one time sigma had a common form that was shaped like the Roman letter C (hence sense 1a), but sigma is equivalent to the English letter S (hence sense 1b).
Examples of sigmoid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The procedure was necessary to address a diverticular stenosis, or abnormal narrowing, of the sigmoid portion of the colon, said Matteo Bruni, a Holy See spokesman.
—
Harold Maass, The Week, 5 July 2021
Francis had developed a diverticular stenosis, or narrowing, of the sigmoid portion of the large intestine.
—BostonGlobe.com, 6 July 2021
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Harold Maass, The Week, 5 July 2021
Francis had developed a diverticular stenosis, or narrowing, of the sigmoid portion of the large intestine.
—BostonGlobe.com, 6 July 2021
Dictionary Entries Near sigmoid
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“Sigmoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sigmoid. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
sigmoid
1 of 2 adjective
sig·moid
ˈsig-ˌmȯid
1
a
: curved like the letter C
b
: curved in two directions like the letter S
2
: of, relating to, or being the sigmoid colon of the intestine
sigmoid lesions
sigmoid
2 of 2 nounLove words? Need even more definitions?
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