Bolus

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈboʊləs/

Definitions

• Noun: A single, large dose of a drug or other substance, typically administered intravenously or orally, often to quickly raise the concentration of the substance in the body.
• Noun: A rounded mass of food or other substance, especially one that has been swallowed.
• Noun: A mass or lump, often used in a medical or pharmacological context.

Usage Examples

• "The patient was given a bolus of fluids to quickly rehydrate."
• "A bolus of medication was administered to stabilize the patient's condition."
• "After swallowing the bolus of food, she felt a sharp pain in her throat."

Etymology

The word "bolus" comes from the Greek word "bolos," meaning a lump or a rounded mass. It originally referred to a ball of earth or clay and was later applied to medical contexts to describe a mass of food or medicine. The term has been in use in medical literature since the 16th century.

Synonyms

• Mass
• Dose
• Tablet
• Clump

Antonyms

• Drop
• Drip
• Microdose

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of the word "bolus" tends to remain consistent across various languages, though local accents may cause slight variations in intonation and articulation.

Historical Usage

Historically, the term "bolus" referred to a lump or ball of food, typically used to describe the form in which food was consumed. It was adopted in the 19th century by the medical community to describe a mass of medicine or other substances administered in a single dose. Over time, the term has become more widely used in medical contexts to describe large doses of medications and other therapeutic substances.

Cultural Nuances

The term "bolus" is commonly used in both medical and pharmacological contexts. It is important in areas like intravenous therapy, where it is crucial to administer a large volume of fluids or medication in a single dose to achieve immediate therapeutic effects. The word also retains its older meaning in relation to food and the act of swallowing or ingesting large quantities of material.

More Information

The bolus is used in a variety of medical treatments, from resuscitation efforts to the management of chronic diseases. Its application is particularly common in emergency medicine and intensive care units, where rapid therapeutic intervention is often needed. For instance, in the case of dehydration, a bolus of fluids might be given to stabilize the patient’s condition. Similarly, in drug administration, boluses are used to deliver large doses of medication quickly, bypassing slower absorption methods.