bezoar

noun

be·​zoar ˈbē-ˌzȯr How to pronounce bezoar (audio)
: any of various calculi found chiefly in the gastrointestinal organs and formerly believed to possess magical properties

called also bezoar stone

Examples of bezoar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gastrointestinal Disturbances Bariatric surgery affects how quickly food moves through your body, which can increase the risk of developing bezoars or hard, indigestible masses.1 Additionally, eating too much food or consuming too many simple carbohydrates may trigger nausea and vomiting. — Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025 Treatment of bezoars involves dissolving or removing the bezoar through various techniques. — Jay N. Yepuri, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Medieval Latin, from Arabic dialect bezuwār, from Arabic bāzahr, from Persian pād-zahr, from pād protecting (against) + zahr poison

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bezoar was in 1577

Rhymes for bezoar

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Browse Nearby Words

bezique
bezoar
bezoar antelope
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Cite this Entry

“Bezoar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bezoar. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

bezoar

noun
be·​zoar ˈbē-ˌzō(ə)r, -ˌzȯ(ə)r How to pronounce bezoar (audio)
: any of various calculi found in the gastrointestinal organs especially of ruminants

called also bezoar stone

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