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Postprandial: meaning, definitions and examples

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postprandial

 

[ ˌpōstˈprandēəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical term

Postprandial refers to the period following a meal. This term is often used in clinical settings to describe blood sugar levels or other physiological responses that occur after eating. In a postprandial state, various bodily processes are activated to aid digestion and metabolize the nutrients consumed. Understanding postprandial effects is important for managing conditions like diabetes, where blood sugar control after meals is crucial.

Synonyms

after meal, post-meal.

Examples of usage

  • Postprandial blood sugar levels.
  • Postprandial discomfort.
  • Postprandial insulin response.

Etymology

The term 'postprandial' originates from the Latin word 'post,' meaning 'after,' and 'prandium,' meaning 'meal.' The usage of 'prandium' in Latin referred specifically to a light meal and is related to the act of eating. The term has been used in the medical field since the early 19th century to describe physiological states and reactions following food consumption. As the understanding of digestion and metabolism evolved, the term became more common in nutritional science and endocrinology, particularly in studies examining how food intake affects metabolic processes. Hence, 'postprandial' has become an essential term for evaluating the effects of dietary intake on health and well-being.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,676 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.