gall bladder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical, technical, everyday (when discussing health)
Quick answer
What does “gall bladder” mean?
A small organ located under the liver that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small organ located under the liver that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.
Sometimes used metaphorically to refer to a source of stored bitterness or resentment, though this usage is rare. In medical slang, may refer to a person seen as storing up complaints.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'gall bladder' (two words) is standard in British English; 'gallbladder' (one word) is common in American medical texts, though both forms are understood. Pronunciation of 'gall' may have a slightly more open vowel in some British accents.
Connotations
Identical medical/biological connotations. No significant cultural difference.
Frequency
Equally frequent in medical contexts in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be spelled as one word in US general publications.
Grammar
How to Use “gall bladder” in a Sentence
The gall bladder + verb (stores, releases, contracts)Have + (a/an) + adjective + gall bladderUndergo + gall bladder + surgery/removalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gall bladder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon will gall-bladder the patient tomorrow. (Very rare/medical slang)
American English
- They had to gallbladder him due to severe stones. (Very rare/medical slang)
adjective
British English
- She is recovering from gall-bladder surgery.
American English
- He has a gallbladder issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in health insurance documents or pharmaceutical contexts.
Academic
Common in biological, anatomical, and medical papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Used in general conversation about health, operations, and diet.
Technical
Core term in medicine, surgery, gastroenterology, and anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gall bladder”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gall bladder”
- Spelling as 'gallblader'. Using 'gall' to mean 'anger' in this context (e.g., 'He has an angry gall bladder').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. After removal, the liver releases bile directly into the intestine, but in a less concentrated flow, which may require dietary adjustments.
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid (bile) that can form in the gall bladder, often causing pain and blockage.
Traditionally two words, especially in British English. 'Gallbladder' as one word is increasingly common, particularly in American medical terminology.
Common symptoms include severe pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after fatty meals, nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
A small organ located under the liver that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.
Gall bladder is usually medical, technical, everyday (when discussing health) in register.
Gall bladder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɔːl ˌblædə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɔːl ˌblædər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The GALLery stores art; the GALL BLADDER stores bile.
Conceptual Metaphor
STORAGE CONTAINER (for bile).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the gall bladder?