heart attack — a sudden occurrence of coronary thrombosis, typically resulting in the death of part of a heart muscle
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a sudden occurrence of coronary thrombosis, typically resulting in the death of part of a heart muscle
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhɑːrt əˌtæk/
Example Sentences
- My grandfather had a heart attack while watching his favorite team lose in the final.
- The doctor said regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart attacks.
- She nearly had a heart attack when she saw the electricity bill.
heart attack
NOUN[/ˈhɑːrt əˌtæk/]
a sudden occurrence of coronary thrombosis, typically resulting in the death of part of a heart muscle
He clutched his chest in pain — it was a sudden heart attack.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A compound English term combining 'heart' (from Old English heorte, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *hertan) and 'attack' (from Old French ataque, meaning to assail). The phrase emerged in medical terminology to describe the sudden, severe chest pain and cardiovascular event caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, metaphorically likened to the heart being suddenly 'attacked'.
Breakdown
heart (Old English heorte, the vital organ) + attack (Old French ataque, to assail or strike suddenly). The compound gained medical currency to describe acute myocardial infarction.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandfather had a heart attack while watching his favorite team lose in the final.”
“The doctor said regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart attacks.”
“She nearly had a heart attack when she saw the electricity bill.”
“Emergency medical treatment is crucial for heart attack patients.”
“Dad almost had a heart attack when he saw my report card.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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