gallstone

[ gawl-stohn ]

noun

1. an abnormal stonelike mass, usually of cholesterol, formed in the gallbladder or bile passages.

gallstone

/ ˈɡɔːlˌstəʊn /

noun

1. pathol a small hard concretion of cholesterol, bile pigments, and lime salts, formed in the gall bladder or its ducts Also calledbilestone

gallstone

/ gôl′stōn′ /

1. A small, hard, abnormal mass composed chiefly of cholesterol, calcium salts, and bile pigments, formed in the gallbladder or in a bile duct. The presence of gallstones can lead to painful obstruction or infection and is sometimes treated with cholecystectomy .

gallstone

1. A hard, pebblelike material deposited in the gallbladder or bile ducts by the process of chemical precipitation . Gallstones can cause considerable pain and can even obstruct the flow of bile from the gallbladder. On some occasions, the entire gallbladder must be removed by surgery.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallstone¹

First recorded in 1750–60; gall ¹ + stone

Example Sentences

Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, Michelle Morris, said the failure to identify Mrs K’s gallstones in January 2021 was "an unacceptable service failure which caused Mrs K and her family a continued and grave injustice".

From BBC

Cynthia Esguerra, 66, has had to choose between food or medicine for her high cholesterol, gallstones and urinary issues.

From Seattle Times

Some taking the drugs see potentially serious side effects like gallstones and inflammation of the pancreas.

From Seattle Times

By morning, the man was feeling better — the jammed gallstone must have gotten loose and moved on.

From New York Times

With bempedoic acid, a small percentage in the trial experienced an increased risk of gout, an inflammation of joints that is treatable and increased risk of gallstones.

From New York Times