GAVAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Gavage is a noun that refers to a method of force-feeding, typically used to feed animals or provide nutrition to patients unable to consume food orally. Derived from the French word "gaver," meaning "to stuff or gorge," gavage involves the administration of food or liquid directly into the stomach through a tube inserted into the mouth or nose.
In the context of animal husbandry, gavage is commonly employed in the farming industry to fatten poultry, such as geese and ducks, for the production of foie gras. The process involves inserting a feeding tube into the esophagus of the bird and delivering a high-calorie feed mixture directly into their stomach. This technique promotes rapid weight gain and liver enlargement, leading to the desired formation of fatty liver.
In the medical field, gavage is used to provide nutrition to individuals who are unable to consume food by mouth due to various health conditions, post-surgery recovery, or intensive care situations. Nutritional formulas, tailored to the specific needs of the patient, are administered through a tube, bypassing the oral route and delivering sustenance directly into the gastrointestinal tract.
While gavage can be a life-saving procedure in certain circumstances, ethical concerns exist due to its association with force-feeding practices in animals. Some argue that gavage may cause discomfort, distress, or lead to health complications, raising debates surrounding the humane treatment of animals and the necessity of such feeding methods.
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Feeding by the stomach-tube.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GAVAGE
- favage
- vavage
- bavage
- havage
- yavage
- tavage
- gzvage
- gsvage
- gwvage
- gqvage
- gacage
- gavzge
- gavsge
- gavwge
- gavqge
- gavafe
- gavave
- gavabe
- gavahe
Etymology of GAVAGE
The word gavage originates from the French word gaver, which means to force-feed. It comes from the medieval Latin term gava, meaning food, and can be traced back to the Latin verb gavire, which means to cram.
Similar spelling words for GAVAGE
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