Spleen: meaning, definitions and examples

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spleen

 

[ spliหn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

The spleen is a vital organ located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. It plays a significant role in the immune system by filtering blood and producing lymphocytes. The spleen also helps remove old or damaged red blood cells from circulation. Additionally, it stores platelets and white blood cells, contributing to the body's ability to fight infections.

Synonyms

none

Examples of usage

  • The doctor examined the patient's spleen for any signs of enlargement.
  • A healthy spleen is crucial for maintaining the body's immune response.
  • In some cases, a spleen removal may be necessary due to injury.
  • The spleen can regenerate itself if a portion is removed surgically.
Context #2 | Noun

emotion

Spleen can also refer to a person's ill temper or resentment. In literary terms, it often conveys a sense of melancholy or bitterness. This usage characterizes someone's mood or emotional state, expressing a deeper psychological condition or dissatisfaction with life.

Synonyms

bitterness, gloom, melancholy

Examples of usage

  • He expressed his spleen in a bitter letter to the editor.
  • Her spleen was evident during the conversation about current politics.
  • Despite his humor, there was a trace of spleen in his remarks.

Translations

Translations of the word "spleen" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น baรงo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฒเฅ€เคนเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Milz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ limpa

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะตะปะตะทั–ะฝะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล›ledziona

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่„พ่‡“

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rate

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bazo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dalak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋น„์žฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุทุญุงู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ slezina

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ slezina

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่„พ่„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vranica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ milta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐัƒั‹ั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ”แƒšแƒ”แƒ–แƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dalak

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bazo

Etymology

The word 'spleen' comes from the Middle English term 'spleene', derived from the Latin 'splen' and Greek 'splฤ“n'. In ancient times, the spleen was thought to be the seat of emotion, temperament, and will, leading to the metaphorical usage of the word to express melancholy or ill humor. Historically, it was believed that an imbalance of bodily fluids, particularly related to the spleen, could result in various emotional states. The term has evolved over centuries, maintaining its anatomical significance while also acquiring a figurative meaning in literature and everyday language. This duality highlights how the understanding of human anatomy and psychology has shifted over time, reflecting the complexities of our emotional and physical health.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,595 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.