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Occlusion Meaning: Definition and Examples

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occlusion

[Ι™Λˆkluːʒən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dental

The blockage or closing off of a blood vessel or hollow organ, such as a vessel or a cavity. In dentistry, occlusion refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed.

Synonyms

blockage, closure, obstruction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
occlusion

Used primarily in medical and dental fields to refer to the closing or blockage of a passage in the body, such as blood vessels or airways. It can also be used in a general sense within specialized or technical discussions.

  • The patient experienced an occlusion in the left coronary artery.
  • Proper occlusion of teeth is crucial for dental health.
closure

Typically used in broader contexts to refer to the act of closing something, such as roads, stores, and even abstract concepts like phases in life. Not specifically tied to medical situations.

  • The closure of the main road caused significant traffic delays.
  • He needed closure after the end of their relationship.
blockage

Can be used in both medical and general contexts. It refers to any sort of hindrance or stoppage in a passage, such as pipes, roads, or blood vessels.

  • The heavy rain caused a blockage in the drainage system.
  • Doctors found a blockage in his intestines during the examination.
obstruction

Used in both medical and general contexts. It can refer to anything that impedes or blocks progress or movement, like physical objects, regulations, or even actions.

  • A fallen tree caused an obstruction on the highway.
  • Doctors removed an obstruction in his urinary tract.

Examples of usage

  • The dentist checked the patient's occlusion to ensure proper alignment of the teeth.
  • Improper occlusion can lead to jaw pain and other dental issues.
Context #2 | Noun

ophthalmology

The obstruction or closing off of the visual field by an object, such as an eyelid or a foreign body. In ophthalmology, occlusion can also refer to the covering of one eye to improve vision in the other eye.

Synonyms

blockage, covering, obstruction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
occlusion

Medical or dental context, referring to the blockage or closing of a blood vessel or hollow organ, or the alignment of teeth in the jaw.

  • The dentist noted that improper occlusion could lead to jaw pain
  • The patient suffered from an occlusion in a coronary artery
obstruction

Can have both general and legal uses, referring to something that impedes or blocks progress, including physical barriers or actions that hinder processes.

  • There was an obstruction on the hiking trail
  • He was charged with obstruction of justice
covering

Describes something placed over or on top of another thing, often in everyday situations involving physical objects.

  • She used a cloth as a table covering
  • The artist painted a covering layer over the sketch
blockage

General use, often in medical, mechanical, or traffic contexts, to describe something that stops the flow or movement of liquids, gases, or vehicles.

  • The engineers found a blockage in the fuel line
  • The traffic was caused by a blockage on the main road

Examples of usage

  • The doctor recommended occlusion therapy for the patient with amblyopia.
  • The eye patch is used for occlusion of the affected eye.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In optics, occlusion describes how one object blocks another from view, crucial for understanding perspective.
  • In audio, occlusion affects how we hear sounds when something covers our ears.
  • The study of occlusion in anatomy reveals how bones and teeth align or overlap.

Literature

  • In storytelling, occlusion might refer to plot elements that are hidden until a climactic reveal.
  • Poets often use metaphors of obscurity and occlusion to convey emotions linked to secrets or hidden truths.
  • Literary techniques involving occlusion can enhance suspense, engaging readers by withholding information.

Art

  • Artists often use occlusion in visual art to create depth, showing how objects overlap to imply space.
  • In photography, occlusion can enhance composition by creating layers and directing the viewer's eye.
  • Famous artworks often employ occlusion, either to create mystery or guide focus onto specific areas.

Psychology

  • The concept of occlusion helps in understanding perception; our brains filter out what isn’t visible.
  • In cognitive psychology, occlusion examines how we infer the existence of hidden objects.
  • Studies show that occlusion can affect memory recall, making individuals forget certain details that are blocked.

Origin of 'occlusion'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin 'occlusio,' meaning 'to close off.'
  • In medical terms, it refers to blockage in blood vessels or other pathways in the body.
  • The root 'occludere' combines 'ob-' (against) and 'claudere' (to close).

The word 'occlusion' has its origins in the Latin word 'occludere', which means 'to close off'. The term was first used in the field of dentistry to describe the alignment of teeth when the mouth is closed. Over time, it has been adopted in other medical fields to refer to the blockage or closing off of various structures, such as blood vessels or visual fields.

See also: occlude.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,812, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.