gallstone

American  

[gawl-stohn] / ˈgɔlˌstoʊn /

noun

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

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gallstone British  

/ ˈɡɔːlˌstəʊn /

noun

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

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gallstone Scientific  

/ 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.

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gallstone Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of gallstone

First recorded in 1750–60; gall ¹ + stone

Example Sentences

Always before when pain from the gallstones had got too bad, she’d had an operation.

From Literature

Side-effects can include nausea, vomiting and digestive problems; rarer complications include gallstones or pancreatitis.

From BBC

Because the pearls are denser than surrounding tissue and resemble small stones, they can sometimes complicate diagnosis by mimicking kidney or gallstones.

From Science Daily

The former pharmacy worker also lost her spleen, battled pneumonia and developed gallstones which she was told might require further surgery.

From BBC

Most had positive experiences, with no gallstone complications.

From BBC