Bilestone

/ˈbaɪl.stoʊn/ noun

Definition

A gallstone; a hard stone-like deposit that forms in the gallbladder from hardened bile and cholesterol.

Etymology

From 'bile' plus 'stone,' a compound that directly describes the composition and location of the condition. Historically used before 'gallstone' became the standard medical term.

Kelly Says

Medieval doctors couldn't explain gallstones until they invented better ways to examine the body—they called them 'bilestones,' thinking excess bile literally crystallized into rocks.

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