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bursal

bursal

1 9.9
Relating to a small fluid sac near a joint that reduces rubbing
  • adjective
  • /ˈbɜrsl/
  • Specialized
: bursal
  • The bursal sac helps to cushion the joint.

Examples

  • The patient experienced pain due to bursal inflammation in his shoulder.

  • Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for bursal swelling.

  • A bursal infection can occur after repeated trauma or pressure on the joint.

  • He has a bursal inflammation that causes pain.

  • A bursal infection can occur after repeated trauma or pressure on the joint.

  • Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for bursal swelling.

  • The patient experienced pain due to bursal inflammation in his shoulder.

Surface Forms

bursal positive

Morphology

bursal = bursa (transparent) = bursa + al

The adjective is formed regularly from the noun 'bursa' with the suffix '-al', meaning 'relating to'.

Etymology

The word bursal comes from bursa, a Latin word that means 'purse' or 'bag'. Think of a small fluid 'purse' or pouch that sits between bones and muscles to reduce rubbing, so bursal means relating to those little sacs.