— hernial , adj.
/herr"nee euh/ , n. , pl. hernias, herniae /-nee ee'/ . Pathol.
the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an opening in its surrounding walls, esp. in the abdominal region. Cf. hiatus hernia, strangulated hernia .
[ 1350-1400; ME hira gut; see HARUSPEX ]