bezoar
/ˈbiːzɔːr/
noun
- A hard mass of indigestible material (such as hair or plant fibers) found in the stomach or intestines of some animals, especially ruminants.
- The farmer found a bezoar in the cow's digestive tract during the autopsy.
- Bezoars can form when animals swallow hair or other tough fibers.
- The veterinarian removed a large bezoar from the goat's stomach.
- A stone or concretion once believed to have magical or medicinal properties, especially as an antidote to poison.
- Some ancient texts claim a bezoar could neutralize any venom.
- In medieval times, people carried a bezoar as a charm against poisoning.
- The museum displayed a bezoar from the 16th century, set in a gold pendant.
Synonyms