Definition of Bezoar
Bezoar: A clump or wad of swallowed food and/or hair. Bezoars can sometimes be found to cause blockage of the digestive system, especially at the exit of the stomach.
When a bezoar is composed of hair, it is referred to as a hairball or trichobezoar. When a bezoar is composed of vegetable materials, it is referred to as a phytobezoar or foodball. When a bezoar is composed of hair and food it is referred to as a trichophytobezoar or hairy foodball.
Interestingly, in the Far East culture, bezoars are felt to have medicinal properties!
Source:
MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8898
Last Editorial Review: 3/27/1999 8:37:00 AM
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