Pronunciation: [əklˈuːsɪv] (IPA) 
The word "occlusive" is spelled /əˈkluːsɪv/. The initial sound is the schwa sound, followed by the /k/ sound. The next two sounds are the long /u:/ sound and the voiceless /s/ sound, respectively. The letter "i" represents the short /ɪ/ sound, while the final sound is the voiced /v/ sound. "Occlusive" is commonly used to describe speech sounds where the airflow is temporarily blocked, such as the "p" and "b" sounds in English.
Occlusive is an adjective that describes something which has the ability to block or prevent the passage or flow of a substance, such as liquid or air, through a surface, opening, or channel. It is derived from the verb "occlude," which means to obstruct, close up, or seal off.
In the medical field, occlusive is commonly used to describe a condition or device that restricts the flow of blood or air. For example, an occlusive dressing refers to a type of bandage that prevents air or liquid from entering or exiting a wound, thus creating a sealed environment to aid in the healing process. Similarly, an occlusive material or substance may be used in cosmetic or skincare products to form a barrier on the skin's surface, reducing moisture loss and improving hydration.
In addition to medical contexts, occlusive can also be used to describe the qualities of certain materials or substances in various industries. In architecture, for instance, an occlusive material may refer to a building element that provides insulation by minimizing the passage of heat, air, or sound. In manufacturing, an occlusive material or coating may be applied to surfaces to create a water-resistant or airtight seal.
Overall, the term occlusive generally denotes something that obstructs or seals off the passage of substances, serving various purposes in different domains.
Serving to close, noting a bandage or dressing which closes a wound and protects it from the air.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word occlusive originates from the Latin term occlusivus, which is derived from the verb occludere. Occludere is a compound of the prefix ob- meaning against or toward and the verb claudere meaning to close or to shut. Thus, occlusivus in Latin means closing off or shutting against, and it eventually gave rise to the English word occlusive.
