Spleen Meaning and Definition
Spleen
Pronunciation
/ˈspliːn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
An organ found in the upper left region of the abdominal cavity, responsible for filtering the blood and storing red blood cells.
Examples
- The doctor examined the patient’s spleen to diagnose the infection.
- The athlete’s spleen was injured during the game.
Synonyms
- Organ
- Viscera
Antonyms
Additional Information
In some cases, the spleen may become enlarged or inflamed, leading to conditions such as splenomegaly or splenitis. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, cancer, or autoimmune disorders.
The spleen is also an important site for immune system function, with immune cells called macrophages and dendritic cells residing within the organ. These cells help to identify and remove pathogens from the body.
Etymology
The word “spleen” comes from the Old French “esplene”, derived from the Latin “splen”, meaning “spleen”.
Usage Notes
The term “spleen” is commonly used in medical contexts, but it can also be used figuratively to refer to a person’s emotional or creative center.
Cultural References
The spleen has appeared in various cultural works, including literature, art, and music. For example, the spleen is often referred to in Shakespearean plays as a symbol of passion or emotional turmoil.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Vent one’s spleen: to express strong emotions or anger.
Related Words or Phrases
- Immune system
- Organ function
Collocations
- spleen function
- spleen removal
Frequency of Use
The word “spleen” is moderately common in general language, but it is more frequently used in medical contexts.
Common Misspellings
- splien
- splin