occlusion

noun

oc·​clu·​sion ə-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the act of occluding : the state of being occluded: such as

a

: the complete obstruction of the breath passage in the articulation of a speech sound

b

: the bringing of the opposing surfaces of the teeth of the two jaws into contact

also : the relation between the surfaces when in contact

c

: the inclusion or sorption of gas trapped during solidification of a material

2

: the front formed by a cold front overtaking a warm front and lifting the warm air above the earth's surface

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What Do the Words occlusion, recluse, seclusion, and exclude Have in Common?

Occlusion is a descendant of the Latin verb occludere, meaning "to close up." Occludere in turn comes from the prefix ob-, here meaning "in the way," and the verb claudere, meaning "to close or shut." Occlusion is one of many English terms derived from claudere. Some others are recluse, seclusion, and exclude. An occlusion occurs when something has been closed up or blocked off. Almost all heart attacks are the result of the occlusion of a coronary (heart) artery by a blood clot. When a person's upper and lower teeth form a malocclusion, they close incorrectly or badly. An occlusion, or occluded front, happens when a fast-moving cold front overtakes a slow-moving warm front and slides underneath it, lifting the warm air and blocking its movement.

Examples of occlusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the wind roared and cows ran for their lives, the meteorologist in him studied the storm’s structure, admiring the occlusion process. —David Gelles, New York Times, 19 July 2024

Anything that causes perpetual sweat gland blockage (occlusion) can cause recurrent heat rash. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024

Also known as an occlusion training device, the BFR machine restricts blood flow to a muscle, a group of muscles and joints such as elbows and knees in order to beef up the lactic acid produced during exercise, a key component in building muscle. —Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2024

The rest of the continental United States — plus Hawaii and a spot of southern Alaska — will enjoy a consolation prize of partial occlusion. —Chris Wilson, TIME, 6 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin occludere

First Known Use

circa 1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing occlusion

• coronary occlusion

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Kids Definition

occlusion

noun

oc·​clu·​sion ə-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the coming together of the surfaces of the upper and lower teeth

2

: the front formed by a cold front overtaking a warm front and lifting the warm air over the cold air

Medical Definition

occlusion

noun

oc·​clu·​sion ə-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the act of occluding or the state of being occluded : a shutting off or obstruction of something

a coronary occlusion

especially : a blocking of the central passage of one reflex by the passage of another

2

a

: the bringing of the opposing surfaces of the teeth of the two jaws into contact

also : the relation between the surfaces when in contact

b

: the transient approximation of the edges of a natural opening

occlusion of the eyelids

3

: sorption

especially : sorption of gases