a. Med. Forms: 7 choleduc, 8 cholidoc, 9 cholidoch, choledoch. [a. F. cholédoque, f. mod.L. choledochus:Gr. χοληδόχ-ος containing bile, f. χολή bile + δοχ-ός containing, receiving.] Containing or receiving bile; as choledoch duct, canal, the tube formed by the union of the hepatic and cystic ducts.
1681. trans. Willis Rem. Med. Wks., Voc., Choleduc vessels, The vessels that hold and send forth the Gall.
1799. Med. Jrnl., II. 48. The cistic and cholidoc canals.
1835. Penny Cycl., IV. 395/2. The orifice of the choledoch duct.
B. as sb. The choledoch duct.
1859. Todd, Cycl. Anat., V. 94/1. An excretory duct piercing the intestine of the side of the choledoch. Ibid., 106/2. Now in cats the pancreatic duct joins the choledoch before it enters the intestine.
Hence † Choledochal a. = prec.
1684. trans. Bonets Merc. Compit., VI. 232. Purging evacuates the choledochal Vessels.