Occlude Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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occlude

[ษ™หˆkluหd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical

To obstruct or block a passage, especially a blood vessel or hollow organ.

Synonyms

block, clog, obstruct.

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Word Description / Examples
occlude

Used when referring to precise or technical blockage, especially in medical and scientific fields.

  • The surgeon had to occlude the blood vessel during the procedure.
  • In this experiment, we need to occlude all light from entering the chamber.
block

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to stopping the movement or progress of something.

  • A fallen tree blocked the road.
  • She used her hand to block the sun from her eyes.
obstruct

Used to describe the act of preventing passage by placing an obstacle in the way; can have a negative connotation, especially when intentional.

  • The parked car obstructed the fire hydrant.
  • The signboard obstructs the view of the intersection.
clog

Informally used to describe the blocking of something, often referring to pipes or drains.

  • The sink is clogged again.
  • Too much hair can clog the shower drain.

Examples of usage

  • The blood clot was causing the vessel to occlude.
  • If the artery continues to occlude, the patient may experience a heart attack.
Context #2 | Verb

dentistry

To bring the opposing surfaces of the teeth into contact.

Synonyms

close, press together, shut.

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Word Description / Examples
occlude

When something is blocked or obstructed, often used in medical or technical contexts to describe the blocking of a passage or opening.

  • The doctor warned that the blood vessel could occlude if not treated promptly.
  • Clouds occluded the view of the moon.
close

General term for bringing something to an end or making an opening no longer accessible. Can be used in various everyday situations.

  • Please close the door behind you.
  • The store closes at 9 PM.
shut

Similar to 'close', often implies a more forceful action. Can be used in more casual and everyday settings.

  • Shut the window before it starts raining.
  • He shut his book and sighed.
press together

Describes the action where two things are pushed into close contact with each other, often physically.

  • He pressed his lips together in frustration.
  • Press the two metal pieces together to make them stick.

Examples of usage

  • The dentist instructed the patient to occlude their teeth to check the bite.
  • She asked the patient to occlude their teeth to see if there were any alignment issues.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To close or shut off.

Synonyms

close, seal, shut.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
occlude

More technical term, often used in medical or scientific contexts to mean blocking or stopping something from passing through.

  • The artery was occluded by a blood clot.
  • Dental braces can occlude proper alignment of teeth.
shut

Similar to 'close,' but often carries a stronger sense of firmness or finality. Can sometimes have a slight negative connotation.

  • She shut the window tightly.
  • Shut your mouth.
close

Use when referring to shutting something that can be opened, like doors, windows, or books. Common and versatile; suitable for everyday situations.

  • Please close the door.
  • He closed the book and put it on the shelf.
seal

Best used in contexts involving air- or watertight closures. Commonly used when talking about containers, envelopes, or packaging.

  • Seal the envelope before mailing it.
  • You need to seal the container to keep the food fresh.

Examples of usage

  • The curtains were drawn to occlude the sunlight.
  • He used a barrier to occlude the entrance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In medicine, occlusion refers to the blockage of blood vessels, which can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks.
  • In geology, occlusion can describe how one geological layer overlaps another, affecting water flow and ecosystem health.
  • In optics, occlusion occurs when one object blocks the view of another, an important concept in understanding visual perception.

Psychology

  • Occlusion in psychology refers to how people perceive objects that are partially hidden, emphasizing the brain's ability to infer missing information.
  • The โ€˜Gestalt principlesโ€™ include occlusion as a factor in how we organize visual fields, helping us to understand visual stimuli.
  • Children often learn about occlusion through play, as they discover how objects can be hidden or blocked by others.

Literature

  • The concept of occlusion can represent themes of secrecy or hidden truths in literary narratives.
  • In poetry, occlusion might be used metaphorically to describe emotional barriers between characters or societies.
  • Several modern novels use occlusion to explore complex narratives where the truth is gradually revealed.

Pop Culture

  • In film, effective use of occlusion can create suspense, as viewers wonโ€™t see the full picture until the climax.
  • Video games utilize occlusion culling techniques to enhance performance by ignoring objects not in the player's view.
  • Comic books often illustrate occlusion with overlapping images, inviting readers to piece together the story visually.

Origin of 'occlude'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'occludere', meaning 'to shut up or close off'.
  • It is formed from 'ob-' (against) and 'claudere' (to shut).
  • Related words include 'exclude' and 'cloister', which also imply closure or separation.

The word 'occlude' comes from the Latin word 'occludere', which means 'to close up'. It has been used in medical and dental contexts to describe the blocking or closing off of passages or surfaces. The term has been in use for centuries, evolving to its current usage in various fields.


See also: occlusion.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,314 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.