impaction

noun

im·​pac·​tion im-ˈpak-shən How to pronounce impaction (audio)
: the act of becoming or the state of being impacted
especially : lodgment of something (such as feces) in a body passage or cavity

Examples of impaction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mink learned mineral masses may have formed in the horse’s intestines, which could result in impaction colic and be fatal. — Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 12 Dec. 2025 Chia seeds swell when exposed to liquids and take on a thick, sticky consistency, which can become lodged in the esophagus and cause an impaction (blockage). — Anthea Levi, Health, 5 May 2025 People with fecal impaction require medical treatment to have a bowel movement. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 10 June 2026 Recent emergencies have included animals falling off a boat, lacerations from dog fights on the beach, clamshell ingestion, sand impaction, which can cause obstructions in the digestive system, and of course Lyme disease. — Sylvie Bigar, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for impaction

Word History

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impaction was in 1739

Rhymes for impaction

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Browse Nearby Words

impactful
impaction
impactite
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Cite this Entry

“Impaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impaction. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

impaction

noun
im·​pac·​tion im-ˈpak-shən How to pronounce impaction (audio)
: the act of becoming or the state of being impacted

Medical Definition

impaction

noun
im·​pac·​tion im-ˈpak-shən How to pronounce impaction (audio)
: the act of becoming or the state of being impacted
specifically : lodgment or an instance of lodgment of something (as a tooth or feces) in a body passage or cavity
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