Pronunciation: [əklˈuːʒən] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "occlusion" is a bit tricky due to its obscure pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /əˈkluːʒən/. It begins with a short schwa in "oc-," followed by a long "oo" sound in "-clu-." The "-sion" ending is pronounced with a soft "zh" sound, similar to the "s" in "measure." "Occlusion" refers to the act of closing off or blocking something, typically in reference to teeth or blood vessels.
Occlusion refers to the process or act of blocking or closing off something, particularly in relation to the obstruction or closure of a passage, vessel, or opening within the body. It can also encompass the complete or partial obstruction of a bodily fluid or the hindrance of normal blood flow to a particular area or organ.
In dentistry, occlusion refers to the contact between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is in a closed position. It involves the alignment of the teeth along with the positioning of the jaws, ensuring that they interlock properly. A correct occlusion is essential for proper chewing and speaking, as well as maintaining the overall health of the jaw joints and muscles.
Furthermore, occlusion can refer to the alignment of the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth when they come together during chewing or biting. A malocclusion, on the other hand, refers to any deviant or incorrect positioning of the teeth or misalignment of the jaws, which can lead to discomfort, pain, difficulty chewing, and even dental problems such as tooth wear or TMJ disorders.
Outside of the dental context, occlusion can encompass a variety of situations. For example, it can refer to the partial or complete blockage of an artery or vein that may result in restricted blood flow, potentially causing various health issues such as strokes or deep vein thrombosis. Similarly, occlusion can imply the obstruction of an airway, leading to breathing difficulties or respiratory distress.
Overall, occlusion encompasses the concept of blockage or closure within various contexts, highlighting its importance in maintaining proper bodily function and health.
1. The act of closing or the state of being closed. 2. In chemistry, the absorption of a gas by a metal. 3. The adjustment or fitting together of the premolar and molar teeth when the jaws are closed.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "occlusion" comes from the Latin word "occlusio", which is derived from the verb "occludere". "Occludere" is a combination of two Latin words: "ob" meaning "against" and "claudere" meaning "to close". The literal translation of "occlusio" is "closing" or "shutting". In English, "occlusion" refers to the act of closing or blocking, particularly in relation to the closing of a passage or vessel, such as the closure of the teeth when biting or the blockage of a blood vessel.
