diverticulum (dy-ver-tik-yoo-lŭm) n. (pl. diverticula) a sac or pouch formed at weak points in the walls of the alimentary tract. colonic d. a diverticulum that affects the colon. They are sometimes associated with abdominal pain or altered bowel habit (see diverticular disease, diverticulitis). jejunal d. a diverticulum that affects the small intestine. They are often multiple and may give rise to abdominal discomfort and malabsorption. Meckel's d. a diverticulum that occurs in the ileum as a congenital abnormality. It may become inflamed, mimicking appendicitis, or it may form a peptic ulcer, causing pain, bleeding, or perforation.

di·ver·tic·u·lum / ˌdīvərˈtikyələm/ • n. (pl. -la / -lə/ ) Anat. & Zool. a blind tube leading from a cavity or passage. ∎ Med. an abnormal sac or pouch formed at a weak point in the wall of the alimentary tract.

diverticulum A saclike or tubular outgrowth from a tubular or hollow internal organ. Diverticula may occur as normal structures (e.g. the caecum and appendix in the alimentary canal) or abnormally, from a weakened area of the organ.

diverticulum A tube, closed at the end, that forms a side-branch or recess leading from a body cavity.