'atheroma' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'atheroma', where Greek 'athēra' meant 'porridge' (a reference to a pasty mass) and the suffix '-oma' meant 'tumor' or 'swelling'.

'atheroma' came into New Latin from Greek roots (athēra + -oma) and was adopted into English medical usage in the 19th century as 'atheroma' and its plural 'atheromas'.

Initially it referred to a 'porridge-like mass' (reflecting the Greek root), but over time it evolved into the modern medical meaning 'a fatty deposit or plaque in the wall of an artery'.