What does occluded mean?
Occluded means hidden, blocked, or cut off from view, usually because another object lies in front of it. As an adjective, it can describe anything concealed by an obstruction: a road may be occluded by fog, a valley by clouds, or a blood vessel by a blockage. The word is also the past tense and past participle of the verb 'occlude,' as in 'fog occluded the road.' In astronomy, the term has a more specific meaning: one celestial body occludes another when it passes between that body and the observer, temporarily blocking its light. Medical usage similarly describes an artery or passage as narrowed or obstructed. Because 'occluded' is more technical than 'hidden' and often implies a physical obstruction or specific alignment, it is especially useful in scientific, geographical, and descriptive contexts.
Hidden, blocked, or cut off from view by something intervening; in astronomy, temporarily hidden from view by another celestial body.
"The mountain peak remained occluded by the storm clouds."
Used in formal, technical, and descriptive contexts, especially in astronomy, medicine, geography, and meteorology.
To block from view or make inaccessible by interposing an object or obstruction.
"Dense fog occluded the road."
The form 'occluded' is the past tense and past participle of 'occlude.' It is more formal than the common verb 'hide.'
In astronomy, an object can be occluded without disappearing: it simply moves behind something else.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
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How occluded is actually used
The word has a formal, technical, or precise tone. It is especially common in astronomy, medicine, geography, and descriptions of visibility; in ordinary writing, 'hidden' or 'obscured' is often more natural.