How Do You Spell BEZOAR?

Pronunciation: [bˈɛzɔː] (IPA)

Bezoar is a term that describes a mass of indigestible material found in the gastrointestinal tract. The word is pronounced /ˈbiːzɔːr/, with a stressed syllable on the second ‘e’. The ‘z’ and ‘o’ pronounced together make the sound /zɔːr/. The silent letter ‘e’ at the end of the word has no impact on the pronunciation. ‘Bezoar’ originated from the Persian word ‘pādzahr’ meaning ‘antidote’. Today, the word has become common in the medical field, especially in gastroenterology.

BEZOAR Meaning and Definition

1. A Bezoar is a solid mass comprised of undigested food, hair, or other foreign substances that collect and form into a concretion within the gastrointestinal tract of animals, particularly ruminants. This occurrence is commonly observed in herbivores such as goats, sheep, and cows. Bezoars are created when ingested materials, often plant fibers or hair, accumulate and solidify over time, usually in the animal's stomach or intestines. These masses can range in size from a few centimeters to several inches in diameter.

   Historically, bezoars were believed to possess mystical and magical properties, and in some cultures, they were highly sought after for their perceived medicinal benefits. Collectors believed bezoars possessed the ability to neutralize poisons and were used to treat various ailments. However, modern scientific research has discredited many of these claims.

   In addition to its historical significance, the term "bezoar" is now also used metaphorically to describe something that is considered an obstacle or hindrance in a situation. It can refer to an impasse or an accumulated problem that needs to be resolved or removed.

   In summary, a bezoar is a solid mass formed of undigested substances that accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, particularly ruminants. Historically revered for their supposed medicinal properties, bezoars are now recognized as waste products rather than magical artifacts.

2. A concretion formed in the stomach or intestine in ruminants, formerly, and still in certain countries of the far East, regarded as of therapeutic value.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for BEZOAR

• fetoar
• beadar
• behoal
• belodr
• bezomer
• vezoar
• nezoar
• hezoar
• gezoar
• bwzoar
• bszoar
• bdzoar
• brzoar
• b4zoar
• b3zoar
• bexoar
• besoar
• beaoar
• beziar
• bezkar
• bezlar
• bezpar
• bez0ar
• bez9ar
• bezoare
• bezor
• Mezor
• ezor
• bezah
• temoar
• Beonar
• Benzoa
• Bezcay
• beawere
• Beldar
• Bezont
• Bexoer
• Bezonean
• Brezoa
• Brzoa

Etymology of BEZOAR

The word "bezoar" is derived from the Persian word "pādzahr", which is a compound of "pād" meaning "to protect" and "zahr" meaning "poison". This term refers to a solid mass that, according to ancient beliefs, could protect against and neutralize poisons. The word passed through Arabic as "bāzahr" and eventually became "bezoar" in English. Bezoars were highly valued in traditional medicine and were believed to possess mystical and healing properties.

Plural form of BEZOAR is BEZOARS