rhabdomyolysis

noun

rhab·​do·​my·​ol·​y·​sis ˌrab-dō-mī-ˈä-lə-səs How to pronounce rhabdomyolysis (audio)
: the destruction or degeneration of muscle tissue (as from traumatic injury, excessive exertion, or stroke) accompanied by the release of breakdown products into the bloodstream and sometimes leading to acute renal failure

Examples of rhabdomyolysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wildland firefighters can also face rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of skeletal muscle that can contribute to kidney injury. — Julian L. Gallegos, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 She’d previously been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can be brought on by overexertion, after collapsing from lower-body cramping and temporary leg paralysis during a 2025 playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 But other potential side effects such rhabdomyolysis should be. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Both were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and were hospitalized for multiple days, according to court documents. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rhabdomyolysis

Word History

Etymology

rhabdo- + myo- + -lysis

Note: The term was introduced by Drummond H. Bowden et al., "Acute recurrent rhabdomyolysis (paroxysmal myohaemoglobinuria)," Medicine, vol. 35, issue 4 (December, 1956), pp. 335-54.

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhabdomyolysis was in 1956

Rhymes for rhabdomyolysis

See All Rhymes for rhabdomyolysis

Browse Nearby Words

Rhabdomonas
rhabdomyolysis
rhabdomyosarcoma
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Cite this Entry

“Rhabdomyolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhabdomyolysis. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

rhabdomyolysis

noun
rhab·​do·​my·​ol·​y·​sis ˌrab-dō-mī-ˈäl-ə-səs How to pronounce rhabdomyolysis (audio)
plural rhabdomyolyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce rhabdomyolysis (audio)
: the destruction or degeneration of skeletal muscle tissue (as from traumatic injury, excessive exertion, or stroke) that is accompanied by the release of muscle cell contents (as myoglobin and potassium) into the bloodstream resulting in hypovolemia, hyperkalemia, and sometimes acute renal failure
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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