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

For instance, doctors may think a blockage in the ducts of a patient’s gallbladder is caused by a gallstone, but when they perform surgery to remove it, they find cancer, said Dr. Syma Iqbal, gastrointestinal oncologist at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From New York Times

In this patient’s case, the stuck gallstone blocked the flow of bilirubin into the gastrointestinal tract.

From New York Times

Her recent gallstone surgery cost nearly $1,500, but less than a third of it could be expensed under her insurance plan, she said.

From New York Times

The TV presenter eventually asked for the gallstone back, Vistica said, and they gave it to her.

From New York Times