gallstone

noun

gall·​stone ˈgȯl-ˌstōn How to pronounce gallstone (audio)
: a calculus (as of cholesterol) formed in the gallbladder or biliary passages

Examples of gallstone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the fourth, a patient claimed Kelly failed to diagnose gallstones and at three appointments inappropriately performed breast exams. The Arizona Republic, 8 Jan. 2024 Because of the moderate side effects of obesity medication in the short term (like fecal incontinence, passing gas, and gallstones) and the lack of research regarding long-term use, the USPSTF does not yet recommend drugs for weight management in children with obesity. Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 20 Dec. 2023 Anything more than that isn’t sustainable and can cause electrolyte imbalances, menstruation irregularities, constipation, fatigue, muscle loss, hair loss, and gallstones. Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 31 Aug. 2023 One person is in charge of a root canal, someone else is setting the broken foot, another person is working on a displaced shoulder, and still another is getting rid of a gallstone. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 The risk of pancreatitis is approximately 0.001% and the risk of gallstones appears to be ~ 1%. Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 20 Oct. 2023 While nausea and vomiting can occur in 10–50% of patients, Messer explained that severe side effects, like pancreatitis and gallstones, are rare. Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 20 Oct. 2023 Rare side effects such as pancreatitis, gallstones, and thyroid cancer are all considered more reasonable when the alternative to treatment includes potentially fatal complications from diabetes. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2023 Aim for a diet that is low in cholesterol and fat content as both can contribute to gallstone formation. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gallstone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gallstone was in 1758

Dictionary Entries Near gallstone

Cite this Entry

“Gallstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gallstone. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gallstone

noun
gall·​stone ˈgȯl-ˌstōn How to pronounce gallstone (audio)
: a hard mass like a pebble that is formed in the gallbladder or bile passages

Medical Definition

gallstone

noun
gall·​stone ˈgȯl-ˌstōn How to pronounce gallstone (audio)
: a calculus (as of cholesterol) formed in the gallbladder or biliary passages

called also biliary calculus, cholelith

More from Merriam-Webster on gallstone

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