gallstone

American  

[gawl-stohn] / ˈgɔlˌstoʊn /

noun

gallstones plural

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

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• gallstones
  plural

Etymology

Origin of gallstone

First recorded in 1750–60; gall ¹ + stone

Example Sentences

Subsequent visits, $5. ¶ Obstetrical delivery with no complications: $175. ¶ Appendectomy: $175 ¶ Electrocardiogram: $15. ¶ Gallstone operation: $250. ¶ Tonsillectomy: $75. ¶ Broken wrist: $75.

From Time Magazine Archive