Occlusion: meaning, definitions and examples
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occlusion
[ əˈkluːʒən ]
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?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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?
| 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.
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| obstruction |
Can have both general and legal uses, referring to something that impedes or blocks progress, including physical barriers or actions that hinder processes.
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| covering |
Describes something placed over or on top of another thing, often in everyday situations involving physical objects.
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| blockage |
General use, often in medical, mechanical, or traffic contexts, to describe something that stops the flow or movement of liquids, gases, or vehicles.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor recommended occlusion therapy for the patient with amblyopia.
- The eye patch is used for occlusion of the affected eye.
Etymology
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.