noun
gallstone
GAWL-stohn
Gallstone (noun) means a small hard lump made of cholesterol and other substances that can build up inside the organ that stores bile. Example: “He was rushed to hospital with severe pain caused by a gallstone.”
noun
1
A small hard lump made of cholesterol and other substances that can build up inside the organ that stores bile.
"He was rushed to hospital with severe pain caused by a gallstone."
"Doctors can often spot gallstones using an ultrasound scan."
"Some people carry gallstones for years without any symptoms."
How to use gallstone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gallstone is a hard little lump that can form in your gallbladder.
When to use it
Gallstone is the everyday term; cholelith is the more clinical equivalent.
Memory tip
The plural 'gallstones' is more common in everyday speech than the singular, since people often have more than one.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
pass a gallstone
gallstone attack
gallstone surgery
have gallstones
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Etymology
Formed by joining gall, meaning bile, with stone, describing its hard, pebble-like form.
Synonyms
View more →
bilestone
cholelith
Rhymes for gallstone
See all rhymes for gallstone →Frequently asked questions
What is a gallstone made of?
They're typically made of a mix of cholesterol and other substances found in bile.
Where do gallstones form?
They form inside the gallbladder or the bile duct.
What does a gallstone look like?
It is usually small and hard, similar in shape to a pebble.
What is the meaning of gallstone?
"gallstone" (noun) means a small hard lump made of cholesterol and other substances that can build up inside the organ that stores bile.
