What does the term "occlude" mean?

The term "occlude" means to obstruct or prevent the passage of something. This definition can be understood in various contexts, such as in medicine, where it might refer to the blockage of blood vessels or in dental terminology, indicating teeth overlapping or blocking one another. In general, occlusion involves something being blocked or impeded, preventing the normal flow or passage of substances, whether air, light, or fluids. Recognizing this meaning is crucial in fields like healthcare, engineering, and even communication, where the concept of obstruction can play a significant role in the functioning of systems or the understanding of conditions.