lithiasis

noun

li·​thi·​a·​sis li-ˈthī-ə-səs How to pronounce lithiasis (audio)
plural lithiases li-ˈthī-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce lithiasis (audio)
: the formation of stony concretions in the body (as in the gallbladder)

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin lithiāsis "presence of calculi in the urinary tract or gall bladder," borrowed from Greek lithíāsis, from lithiā-, variant stem of lithiáō, lithiân "to suffer from calculi" (derivative of líthos "stone, rock," of obscure origin) + -sis -sis

First Known Use

circa 1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lithiasis was circa 1657

Dictionary Entries Near lithiasis

Cite this Entry

“Lithiasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lithiasis. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

lithiasis

noun
li·​thi·​a·​sis lith-ˈī-ə-səs How to pronounce lithiasis (audio)
plural lithiases -ˌsēz How to pronounce lithiasis (audio)
: the formation of stony concretions in the body (as in the urinary tract or gallbladder)
often used in combination
cholelithiasis
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