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Obstruction

Medical Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A blockage that prevents the normal passage of bodily fluids or air. In poetry it may symbolise barriers, repression, or impeded expression.

Detailed Definition
Obstruction refers medically to a blockage within the body, such as in the lungs, intestines, or blood vessels, that disrupts normal function. Historically it was a common explanation for various illnesses in pre-modern medicine. In literature the word readily becomes metaphorical, representing anything that hinders movement or expression. Poets use obstruction to describe barriers in thought, emotion, or society, highlighting the frustration that arises when natural flow or communication is prevented.
Example
Example in poetry:
The bowel obstruction caused severe abdominal pain; Poets use obstruction to describe blocked progress; The river faced an obstruction from the fallen tree; He viewed the law as an obstruction to justice; The poet wrote of the obstruction of free speech; Obstruction is a medical term for blockage.
Additional Notes
Obstruction refers to blockage preventing normal flow within the body. In poetry it often symbolises barriers, repression, or hindrance. Writers may describe obstructed thoughts, emotions, or social progress. The medical image of blocked passage effectively represents stagnation or suppression.
Also Known As
Blockage Bodily Obstruction Internal Blockage
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