gallstone

noun

gall·​stone ˈgȯl-ˌstōn 

: a calculus (as of cholesterol) formed in the gallbladder or biliary passages

Examples of gallstone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To avoid wallowing in their pity and reassurances, the women recite their own medical ailments (hyperthyroidism, gallstones, diabetes, irritable bowel) and promise to be there for each other. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Alternatively, you may be checked for gallstones, which can sometimes elevate alkaline phosphatase levels. —Brittany Risher, SELF, 6 Dec. 2024

May Be Linked to Gallstones There's some evidence that yo-yo dieting may increase the risk of developing gallstones, perhaps due to the stress that rapid weight changes place on your gallbladder.14 Your gallbladder is a small organ that stores bile, a digestive fluid your liver makes. —Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Around half of people with gallstones never develop symptoms. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

gall entry 1 + stone entry 1

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gallstone

noun

gall·​stone ˈgȯl-ˌstōn 

: a hard mass like a pebble that is formed in the gallbladder or bile passages

Medical Definition

gallstone

noun

gall·​stone ˈgȯl-ˌstōn 

: a calculus (as of cholesterol) formed in the gallbladder or biliary passages

called also biliary calculus, cholelith