n, pl  -ni*as  or  -ni*ae   :  a protrusion of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed - called also rupture  her*ni*al adj 
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  her·o·in  horn  horny 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.