occlude

[ uh-klood ]

verb (used with object)

, oc·clud·ed, oc·clud·ing.

1. to close, shut, or stop up (a passage, opening, etc.).

   Synonyms: plug, block, clog, obstruct

2. to shut in, out, or off.
3. Physical Chemistry. (of certain metals and other solids) to incorporate (gases and other foreign substances), as by absorption or adsorption.

verb (used without object)

, oc·clud·ed, oc·clud·ing.

1. Dentistry. to shut or close, with the cusps of the opposing teeth of the upper and lower jaws fitting together.
2. Meteorology. to form an occluded front.

occlude

/ əˈkluːd /

verb

1. tr to block or stop up (a passage or opening); obstruct
2. tr to prevent the passage of
3. tr chem (of a solid) to incorporate (a substance) by absorption or adsorption
4. meteorol to form or cause to form an occluded front
5. dentistry to produce or cause to produce occlusion, as in chewing

occlude

/ ə-klo̅o̅d′ /

1. To force air upward from the Earth's surface, as when a cold front overtakes and undercuts a warm front.

Derived Forms

• ocˈcludent, adjective

Other Words From

• oc·cludent adjective
• unoc·cluded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of occlude¹

1590–1600; < Latin occlūdere to shut up, close up, equivalent to oc- oc- + -clūdere, combining form of claudere to close

Word History and Origins

Origin of occlude¹

C16: from Latin occlūdere, from ob- (intensive) + claudere to close

Example Sentences

A major roadblock is how to deal with outside electromagnetic noise, which could occlude neural control signals.

From Singularity Hub 

A “triple point”—where a cold front, warm front, and occluded front meet—can sometimes serve as the focus for severe thunderstorms, which may ruin an afternoon run.

From Outside Online

When the nitration is completed, screw up the clamps and so occlude the two pieces of pressure tubing.

From Project Gutenberg

The presence of old splits is often indicated by a ridge of callous, the result of the cambium's effort to occlude the wound.

From Project Gutenberg

In finely divided form it has the ability to absorb or occlude gases, especially oxygen and hydrogen.

From Project Gutenberg

The watchmen in buildings nearby had been warned off for the time being so that their footsteps wouldn't occlude any results.

From Project Gutenberg

These pigmented hyaline masses probably occlude the vessels, and hence cause gangrene.

From Project Gutenberg