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

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

From New York Times • May 16, 2023

A number of health boards have had to postpone things like hip and knee replacements or some less urgent surgeries like gallstone or tonsil removal because they are so busy.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2023

He was asked whether to remove a gallstone, if it was okay to begin chemotherapy, and whether this was a good time for a root canal.

From Washington Post • Oct. 26, 2022

He had to have a gallstone removed, for which his doctors had given him anesthesia—a risky decision for someone with dementia—and he never quite recovered.

From Slate • May 4, 2021

Hysteria will imitate nearly every form of cramp, including even those due to gallstone and kidney calculus.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)