gallstone

[ gawl-stohn ]
/ ˈgɔlˌstoʊn /

noun

an abnormal stonelike mass, usually of cholesterol, formed in the gallbladder or bile passages.
Also called biliary calculus.

Origin of gallstone

First recorded in 1750–60; gall1 + stone

Example sentences from the Web for gallstone

  • Such is the pain produced by lead-colic, or by the passage of a gallstone or renal calculus.

    The Action of Medicines in the System |Frederick William Headland
  • Hysteria will imitate nearly every form of cramp, including even those due to gallstone and kidney calculus.

    Psychotherapy |James J. Walsh

British Dictionary definitions for gallstone

gallstone
/ (ˈɡɔːlˌstəʊn) /

noun

pathol a small hard concretion of cholesterol, bile pigments, and lime salts, formed in the gall bladder or its ducts Also called: bilestone

Medical definitions for gallstone

gallstone
[ gôlstōn′ ]

n.

A concretion in the gallbladder or in a bile duct, composed chiefly of cholesterol, calcium salts, and bile pigments. biliary calculus cholelith

Scientific definitions for gallstone

gallstone
[ gôlstōn′ ]

A small, hard, abnormal mass composed chiefly of cholesterol, calcium salts, and bile pigments, formed in the gallbladder or in a bile duct. The presence of gallstones can lead to painful obstruction or infection and is sometimes treated with cholecystectomy.

Cultural definitions for gallstone

gallstone

A hard, pebblelike material deposited in the gallbladder or bile ducts by the process of chemical precipitation. Gallstones can cause considerable pain and can even obstruct the flow of bile from the gallbladder. On some occasions, the entire gallbladder must be removed by surgery.