Gallstone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ชจ
gallstone
[หษกษlหstoสn ]
Definition
medical condition
A gallstone is a solid particle that forms from bile cholesterol and bilirubin in the gallbladder. These stones can vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball and can be numerous. Gallstones can lead to pain, nausea, and complications if they block the flow of bile, causing inflammation or infection. Treatment may involve surgical removal or medical management depending on the severity of symptoms.
Synonyms
biliary calculi, cholesterol stones, pigment stones.
Examples of usage
- She was diagnosed with gallstones after experiencing severe abdominal pain.
- Many individuals may have gallstones without knowing it, as they can remain asymptomatic.
- Surgery to remove gallstones is commonly performed laparoscopically.
Translations
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Origin of 'gallstone'
The term 'gallstone' originates from the Old English word 'gealla', meaning bile, and the word 'stone' dating back to its use in the 14th century to describe hardened masses formed in the body. The understanding of gallstones has evolved over centuries, with early physicians attributing them to imbalances in bodily humors. Modern medical terminology began to formalize the understanding of gallstones with advances in anatomical studies and the development of surgical techniques for their removal. Today, the study of gallstones encompasses understanding their formation, risk factors, and complications, leading to better diagnostic and treatment options.