n. 1. An instance of breaking open or bursting: a rupture in the fuel line. 2. A break in friendly relations. 3. Medicine a. A hernia, especially of the groin or intestines. b. A tear in an organ or tissue: rupture of an appendix; ligament rupture. v. rup·tured, rup·tur·ing, rup·tures v.tr. To cause to undergo or suffer a rupture: The accident ruptured his spleen. v.intr. To undergo or suffer a rupture: The blister ruptured. Their friendship ruptured. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin ruptūra, from ruptus, past participle of rumpere, to break; see reup- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ruptur·a·ble adj. |
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