French word

infarctus

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃faʁktys/

Meaning

  • masculine nounheart attack

Example

Il a eu un infarctus la semaine dernière.

He had a heart attack last week.

Illustration for infarctus (heart attack)

More examples

Un infarctus peut survenir sans signe avant-coureur.

A heart attack can occur without warning.

Core concept

A heart muscle patch cut off from blood and oxygen until it dies.

Common phrases

  • avoir un infarctus

    have a heart attack

  • infarctus aigu

    acute heart attack

Similar words

crise cardiaque: A sudden heart attack involving intense chest pain or tightness in the chest.
infarctus du myocarde: A heart muscle condition caused by blocked coronary blood flow and loss of function.
arrêt cardiaque: A life-threatening state where the heartbeat stops, along with consciousness and breathing.

Definition in French

Interruption aiguë de la circulation sanguine dans le myocarde entraînant la nécrose d'un segment du muscle cardiaque.

Word origin

The medical term infarctus entered French through medical Latin and derives from Latin infarcire, meaning to pack or fill tightly.

Usage tips

  • The final s in French infarctus is pronounced, unlike the usual silent final s in many French words.

Other meanings

  • infarctionnoun

Word lists with this word