Synonyms

gallstone

American

[gawl-stohn] / ˈgɔlˌstoʊn /

noun

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

gallstone British

/ ˈɡɔːlˌstəʊn /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

gallstone Scientific

/ gôl′stōn′ /

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.

gallstone Cultural

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.

Etymology

Origin of gallstone

First recorded in 1750–60; gall ¹ + stone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because the pearls are denser than surrounding tissue and resemble small stones, they can sometimes complicate diagnosis by mimicking kidney or gallstones.

From Science Daily

The former pharmacy worker also lost her spleen, battled pneumonia and developed gallstones which she was told might require further surgery.

From BBC

Most had positive experiences, with no gallstone complications.

From BBC

It involves fast assessment and operations for issues like appendicitis, bowel obstructions, hernias, gallstones, or trauma, often via the emergency department, and requires rapid decision-making and treatment.

From BBC

Cases include electrocution, drowning, overdose, scurvy, sickle cell anemia, a nail in the chest, a fastball in the eye and gallstones, with all the personal drama one expects from a hospital show.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023