chalazion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist medical term)Formal / Medical
Quick answer
What does “chalazion” mean?
A small, slow-growing, benign cyst or nodule on the eyelid resulting from inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, slow-growing, benign cyst or nodule on the eyelid resulting from inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland.
In ophthalmic pathology, a chronic granulomatous inflammation of a meibomian gland, presenting as a firm, non-tender lump distinct from a more acute stye.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical. The condition is equally referred to in both dialects within medical contexts.
Connotations
Purely clinical; no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside ophthalmology, optometry, and general medical practice.
Grammar
How to Use “chalazion” in a Sentence
Patient [verb] a chalazion.The chalazion [verb] on/in the eyelid.Treatment [verb] the chalazion.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chalazion” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The consultant confirmed it was a chalazion requiring minor surgery.
- Warm compresses can sometimes help a small chalazion to drain.
American English
- The chalazion on her lower lid was monitored for several weeks.
- He scheduled an incision and curettage for the persistent chalazion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical textbooks, ophthalmology journals, and clinical case studies.
Everyday
Rare. A patient might say 'I have a lump on my eyelid' and be diagnosed with a chalazion.
Technical
Core term in ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology, and general practice for describing a specific eyelid lesion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chalazion”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chalazion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chalazion”
- Pronouncing it with a 'ch' as in 'chair' (/ˈtʃæləziən/).
- Confusing it with a stye (which is painful and infectious).
- Misspelling as 'challazion' or 'calazion'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a chalazion is not contagious. It is caused by a blocked gland, not by bacteria or viruses that can be spread.
A stye (hordeolum) is an acute, painful, infectious abscess of an eyelash follicle or gland. A chalazion is a chronic, typically painless, inflammatory granuloma caused by a blocked meibomian gland.
Initial treatment often involves warm compresses and gentle massage. If persistent, it may require medical intervention such as a steroid injection or minor surgical drainage (incision and curettage).
Yes, many small chalazia resolve spontaneously over weeks to months with conservative care like warm compresses.
A small, slow-growing, benign cyst or nodule on the eyelid resulting from inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland.
Chalazion is usually formal / medical in register.
Chalazion: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈleɪzɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈleɪziˌɑn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CHA-LAZE-ion' – a LAZY, slow-growing bump that CHills on your eyelid, not a sharp stye.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BLOCKED DRAIN / CLOSED FACTORY: The gland's exit duct is blocked, causing a backlog of its oily product (sebum), which the body walls off into a cyst.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of a chalazion?