gallbladder

noun

gall·​blad·​der ˈgȯl-ˌbla-dər How to pronounce gallbladder (audio)
plural gallbladders
: a membranous muscular sac in which bile from the liver is concentrated and stored before being passed to the intestinal duodenum
After a meal, the gallbladder contracts and injects several tablespoons of bile into the small intestines, where the detergent-like bile salts break up fats.David Schardt
For reasons not yet entirely clear, many people, women more often than men, are predisposed to forming stones in their gallbladder.Sherwin B. Nuland

Examples of gallbladder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Other potential indications for a cholecystectomy include gallbladder cancer, a dysfunctional gallbladder, or gallbladder polyps (abnormal tissue growths). Qin Rao, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024 These include arteries, bile ducts, and the gallbladder, an organ that stores and releases bile produced by the liver.3 What Does a Hepatologist Do? Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024 Several underlying health conditions that affect your liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder can reduce the amount of bilirubin (a substance that produces a yellow-green pigment) and lead to pale poop. Joy Emeh, Health, 2 Oct. 2024 Beyond gastrointestinal symptoms, the medication can also cause rash, gallbladder issues, abdominal pain. Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gallbladder 

Word History

Etymology

gall entry 1 + bladder

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gallbladder was in 1585

Dictionary Entries Near gallbladder

Cite this Entry

“Gallbladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gallbladder. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gallbladder

noun
gall·​blad·​der ˈgȯl-ˌblad-ər How to pronounce gallbladder (audio)
: a muscular sac in which bile from the liver is stored

Medical Definition

gallbladder

noun
gall·​blad·​der ˈgȯl-ˌblad-ər How to pronounce gallbladder (audio)
: a membranous muscular sac in which bile from the liver is concentrated and stored before being passed to the duodenum
Gallstones are made of cholesterol, a normal component of the bile stored in the gallbladder.D. Shiga, Science News
Removal of the gallbladder—a pear-shaped sac in the right side of your abdomen—has little adverse effect on digestion. After surgery, bile flows directly from your liver to your small intestine rather than being stored first in your gallbladder.Mayo Clinic Health Letter

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