ˌathəˈrōmə noun
( plural atheromas also atheroma·ta -ˈrōməd.ə)
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, a tumor containing gruellike matter, from Greek athērōma, from athērē, athēra gruel, from ather-, athēr beard of grain, point of a lance, barb; akin to Greek antherix beard of grain, stalk, anthereōn chin, anthryskion chervil, anthrēnē hornet, wasp
: a disease characterized by fatty degeneration of the inner coat of the arteries