Pronunciation: [ˈaθəɹˌɔ͡ɪd] (IPA) 
The word "atheroid" is spelled with the "a" pronunciation as in "cat" and the "th" sound produced by sticking your tongue out between your front teeth, followed by the "er" sound formed with a slight open-mouthed "uh" vowel. The "oi" in the middle is pronounced like "oy" as in "boy," and the final "d" is pronounced like the letter itself. Atheroid is an uncommon adjective that means resembling or having the qualities of leather.
Atheroid is an adjective that describes something that resembles or is similar to an atheroma, which is a fatty deposit or plaque that accumulates on the inner lining of an artery. The term "atheroma" is commonly used in the medical field to refer to the buildup of cholesterol, fat, and other substances that can clog and narrow arteries, leading to various cardiovascular conditions.
In a broader sense, when something is described as atheroid, it means it shares characteristics with these artery plaques. This can be used to describe the appearance of certain growths or formations that have a fatty or waxy texture, often seen in the context of diseases or conditions related to the cardiovascular system. For instance, an atheroid growth could refer to a mass of fatty tissue found in the arteries or in pathological conditions like atherosclerosis.
Additionally, atheroid can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone who displays qualities similar to those associated with atheroma or the process of its formation. For example, if one describes a conversation as atheroid, it means that the interaction was marked by a significant buildup of information, exchange of ideas, or perhaps even tensions, analogous to the accumulation of substances in an atheroma. In this figurative sense, atheroid implies an abundance or excess of a particular trait or element, sometimes to the point of being detrimental or obstructive.
There doesn't appear to be a widely recognized etymology for the word "atheroid". It is not a very commonly used word, and there are limited sources discussing its origin. Nonetheless, "atheroid" can be broken down into two parts: "athero" and "oid".
The prefix "athero-" typically refers to a relation to or presence of an "atheroma". An "atheroma" is a plaque or fatty deposit that forms within the walls of arteries, usually associated with atherosclerosis. The term "athero-" is derived from the Greek word "athera", meaning "gruel" or "porridge".
The suffix "-oid" is a common morphological element of English words, derived from Greek, meaning "resembling" or "like". When combined, "-oid" is used to create adjectives or nouns that describe something as similar to or resembling the root word.
