Definitions

1. adjective

relating to or affecting the hiatus or gap between the esophagus and the stomach

“The doctor diagnosed the patient with a hiatal hernia.”

2. noun

a hiatus or gap between the esophagus and the stomach

“The hiatal opening in the diaphragm needs to be surgically repaired.”

3. noun

a hiatal hernia, a condition in which part of the stomach pushes through the hiatus

“The patient’s hiatal hernia was causing severe digestive problems.”