n. 1. The absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular passage such as the anus, intestine, or external ear canal. 2. The degeneration and resorption of one or more ovarian follicles before a state of maturity has been reached. [New Latin atrēsia : Greek a-, not, without; see A-1 + Greek trēsis, perforation, orifice; see terə-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] a·tre·sic (-zĭk, -sĭk) adj. |
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