Hernia \Her"ni*a\, n.; pl. E. Hernias, L. Herni[ae].
         [L.]
   (Med.)
   A protrusion, consisting of an organ or
         part which has
   escaped from its natural cavity, and
         projects through some
   natural or accidental opening in
         the walls of the latter; as,
   hernia of the brain, of the
         lung, or of the bowels. Hernia of
   the abdominal viscera
         in most common. Called also rupture.
   [1913
         Webster]

   Strangulated hernia, a hernia so tightly
         compressed in some
      part of the channel through which
         it has been protruded as
      to arrest its circulation,
         and produce swelling of the
      protruded part. It may
         occur in recent or chronic hernia,
      but is more common
         in the latter.
      [1913 Webster]