coarctation
(kəʊɑːkˈteɪʃən)
[ad. L. coar(c)tātiōn-em ‘drawing or pressing together’, n. of action f. coar(c)tāre to coarct. Cf. mod.F. coarctation.]
1. The action of compressing tightly or narrowly; compression, constriction, restraint; the fact of being so compressed.
| 1545 T. Raynalde Byrth Mankynde 54 The which thinges may cause such straytnes and coarctation that, etc. 1694 Phil. Trans. XVIII. 227 Coarctation of the Veins, whereby the refluent Blood is hindred. 1794 G. Adams Nat. & Exp. Philos. I. iv. 94 The force it employs to gain its liberty being always proportionable to its coarctation or density. 1799 Kirwan Geol. Ess. 87 Many other changes..such are the total separation of Asia from America, the coarctation of the Baltic. |
b. now chiefly in Phys. or Pathol.
| 1545 [see 1]. 1620 Venner Via Recta vi. 95 Affected with coarctation of the breast, or astriction of the belly. 1684 tr. Bonet's Merc. Compit. ix. 343 A coarctation and straitness of the Urinary Duct. 1805 A. Carlisle in Phil. Trans. XCV. 8 The gradual coarctation of the cellular canals. |
c. concr.
| 1691 Ray Creation ii. (1701) 284 If you straiten the Artery..the vessel will notwithstanding continue still to beat below or beyond the coarctation. |
2. Confinement or restriction as to limits; limitation; restriction of action, choice, etc.
| 1605 Bacon Adv. Learn. i. i. §3 The true bounds and limitations, whereby humane knowledge is confined and circumscribed; and yet without any such contracting or coarctation, but that, etc. a 1663 Bramhall (J.), Election is opposed not only to coaction, but also to coarctation, or determination to one. 1677 Gale Crt. Gentiles II. iv. 80 Al mater..brings with it limits and coarctation. |