Occlusion

Dentally, occlusion is the way the teeth come together. It is the relationship between opposing arches, the maxillary (top) and mandibular (bottom).

In medical terms, it may also refer to blockage of an artery, caused by atherosclerosis (plaques). These plaques contain a lot of cholesterol.

Oc*clu"sion (?), n. [See Occlude.]

1.

The act of occluding, or the state of being occluded.

Constriction and occlusion of the orifice. Howell.

2. Med.

The transient approximation of the edges of a natural opening; imperforation.

Dunglison.

Occlusion of gases Chem. & Physics, the phenomenon of absorbing gases, as exhibited by platinum, palladium, iron, or charcoal; thus, palladium absorbs, or occludes, nearly a thousand times its own volume of hydrogen, and in this case a chemical compound seems to be formed.

 

© Webster 1913.