Bladder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bladder

[หˆblรฆdษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

A membranous sac in humans and other animals, in which urine is collected for excretion.

Synonyms

urinary bladder, vesica.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bladder

General term used in everyday conversation, often related to common health issues or bodily functions.

  • I need to use the bathroom; my bladder is full.
  • The doctor said I have a bladder infection.
urinary bladder

Scientific or medical term used in formal contexts, such as healthcare settings or academic writing.

  • The urinary bladder is a muscular sac that stores urine.
  • During the surgery, they checked the condition of the urinary bladder.
vesica

Anatomical or historical term rarely used in modern language, except in specific scholarly or historical contexts.

  • In ancient texts, the vesica was often depicted in medical charts.
  • The term vesica is derived from Latin, meaning bladder.

Examples of usage

  • The bladder can expand to hold up to 16 ounces of urine.
  • She felt a sharp pain in her bladder.
  • His doctor recommended drinking more water to keep the bladder healthy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The bladder is part of the urinary system, which also includes the kidneys and urethra.
  • On average, an adult bladder can hold about 400-600 milliliters of urine before feeling the need to empty it.
  • When full, the bladder can stretch and signal the brain, prompting the urge to go to the bathroom.

Health

  • Urinary incontinence can occur if the bladder muscles become weak, leading to unintended leaks.
  • Bladder infections, known as cystitis, are common, especially among women, and can cause pain and discomfort.
  • Staying hydrated is essential for bladder health, as it helps flush out toxins from the body.

Literature

  • Bladders have appeared in various literary works as symbols of containment or pressure, reflecting human emotions.
  • In Shakespeare's era, the word 'bladder' was sometimes used metaphorically to discuss foolishness or emptiness.
  • Bladders in fairy tales are often enchanted objects, suggesting transformation or the concealment of secrets.

Culture

  • In some cultures, certain herbs are believed to improve bladder health and are used in traditional medicine.
  • The bladder has been a subject of humor in cartoons and comedy routines, often depicted as a source of trouble or urgency.
  • In ancient times, bladder materials were used for crafting, such as bags for carrying liquids or small items.

Origin of 'bladder'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bladder' comes from the Old English 'blวฃdre', which originally meant 'a bag' or 'sack'.
  • Related terms in other languages include 'vesica' in Latin, which also means 'bladder' or 'sac'.
  • Interestingly, 'bladder' was historically used in medical texts to describe various hollow organs.

The word 'bladder' originated from the Old English word 'blรฆdre', which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'blathrล'. It has been used in the English language since the 12th century. The term originally referred to a bag or pouch made from the skin of an animal, such as a pig's bladder, which was used for holding liquids. Over time, the meaning evolved to specifically refer to the urinary bladder in humans and other animals.


Word Frequency Rank

At #5,761 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.