occlude

[uh-klood]

verb (used with object)

occluded, occluding 

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)

occluded, occluding 

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

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

Other Word Forms

• occludent adjective
• unoccluded 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