coaptation

Meanings

Plural: coaptations

Noun

• The bringing together of two parts to form an approximated positioning; used especially of a dislocated joint (in reference to reduction), a broken bone (in reference to bonesetting), portions of soft tissue (in reference to wound closure or to anastomosis), or heart valve function (wherein good leaflet coaptation is healthy and poor coaptation causes regurgitation/insufficiency).

Synonyms

approximation

Related Words

coapt, coaptate, coaptive