Volvulus

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Volvulus \Vol"vu*lus\, n. [NL., fr. L. volvere to turn about, to
     roll.] (Med.)
     (a) The spasmodic contraction of the intestines which causes
         colic.
     (b) Any twisting or displacement of the intestines causing
         obstruction; ileus. See {Ileus}.


         [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  volvulus
       n : abnormal twisting of the intestines (usually in the are of
           the ileum or sigmoid colon) resulting in intestinal
           obstruction