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

According to Harvard Health, rarer but more serious side effects can include inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis; gastroparesis, or the slowing or stopping of movement of food through the stomach; bowel obstruction or blockage; and gallstone attacks or bile duct blockages. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

As for possibilities, things that can be considered are cancer, gallstones, exposure to toxins, various infectious diseases, pancreatitis, or simple inflammation with no specific cause. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026

The most common type of gallstone consists principally of cholesterol. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

Rarer side effects may include pancreatitis, gallstones and heart arrhythmia. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

gall entry 1 + stone entry 1

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gallstone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

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