— obturation , n. — obturator , n.
/ob"teuh rayt', -tyeuh-/ , v.t., obturated, obturating .
1. to stop up; close.
2. Ordn. to close (a hole or cavity) so as to prevent a flow of gas through it, esp. the escape of explosive gas from a gun tube during firing.
[ 1550-60; obturatus, ptp. of obturare to block, stop up ]