Emphractic

/ɛmˈfræktɪk/ adjective

Definition

A rare historical medical term possibly relating to obstruction or blockage of passages in the body.

Etymology

From Greek em- (in) + phrassein (to fence in, block). This Greek root also appears in 'diaphragm' (a structure that blocks off sections of the body).

Kelly Says

The Greek root 'phrassein' (to block) appears in diaphragm, but emphractic never made it into modern medicine—sometimes good etymologies can't save a word from obscurity.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.