impaction

noun

im·​pac·​tion im-ˈpak-shən How to pronounce impaction (audio)
: the act of becoming or the state of being impacted
especially : lodgment of something (such as feces) in a body passage or cavity

Examples of impaction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Too many days with no bowel movements could lead to fecal impaction, where stool hardens and remains in the rectum. Colleen Stinchcombe, Health, 10 Aug. 2023 Several conditions can cause nausea and vomiting, including fecal impaction, so consult a healthcare provider.10 Constipation in Children Constipation can look different for babies and young children. Colleen Stinchcombe, Health, 10 Aug. 2023 Larger particles will stick to the fibers in the filter, known as interception, while other air particles will become embedded into the fibers, through impaction. Fiona Tapp, Popular Mechanics, 27 June 2023 Also, make sure the earplugs do not go too far into your ear canal, suggests Dr. Shah, since plugs that go deep into the canal can lead to wax impaction. Sherri Gordon, Verywell Health, 14 June 2023 Both horses died as a result of severe gravel and sand impaction in their digestive systems. Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 5 May 2023 With an impaction, ear wax ends up at the end of your ear canal and directly next to the eardrum. Madeleine Burry, Health, 3 Mar. 2023 To report the ingestion of an unusual large foreign object with hypopharyngeal impaction, complications, and treatment. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2015 Accidental cell phone ingestion with pharyngeal impaction. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2015

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impaction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impaction was in 1739

Dictionary Entries Near impaction

Cite this Entry

“Impaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impaction. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impaction

noun
im·​pac·​tion im-ˈpak-shən How to pronounce impaction (audio)
: the act of becoming or the state of being impacted

Medical Definition

impaction

noun
im·​pac·​tion im-ˈpak-shən How to pronounce impaction (audio)
: the act of becoming or the state of being impacted
specifically : lodgment or an instance of lodgment of something (as a tooth or feces) in a body passage or cavity
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