rup·ture (r p ch r)n. 1. a. The process or instance of breaking open or bursting. b. The state of being broken open. 2. A break in friendly relations. 3. Pathology a. A hernia, especially of the groin or intestines. b. A tear in an organ or a tissue: rupture of an appendix; ligament rupture. v. rup·tured, rup·tur·ing, rup·tures v.tr. To break open; burst. v.intr. To undergo or suffer a rupture. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin rupt  ra, from ruptus, past participle of rumpere, to break; see reup- in Indo-European roots.]rup tur·a·ble adj. |
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