: 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.
Treatment of bezoars involves dissolving or removing the bezoar through various techniques. Jay N. Yepuri, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024 Sometimes, the delay caused by it can also allow food to clump together into a solid mass known as a bezoar, which can obstruct the stomach and block anything from reaching the small intestine—a potentially life-threatening complication. Ed Cara/ Gizmodo, Quartz, 21 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Bezoar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bezoar. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: any of various calculi found in the gastrointestinal organs especially of ruminants

called also bezoar stone

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