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impacted

v. · adj.
US //ˈɪmˌpæktɪd// UK //ˈɪmpæktɪd// im·pact·ed
  1. 1 strongly affected (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to have a strong effect on someone or something, often in a negative way.

    to have a significant effect or influence on a situation or entity; frequently used in the passive voice in business and economic contexts.

    Example

    The local tourism industry was heavily impacted by the long period of bad weather.

    Example

    Supply chains were severely impacted by the sudden increase in fuel prices, leading to significant delays across the manufacturing sector.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice with 'by'.
  2. 2 stuck tooth (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    describes a tooth that cannot grow through the gum because it is blocked by another tooth.

    referring to a tooth that is prevented from erupting normally because it is wedged against another tooth or bone.

    Example

    The dentist said my impacted wisdom tooth needs to be removed next week.

    Example

    Radiographs revealed that the third molar was horizontally impacted, necessitating a surgical extraction to prevent further crowding of the dental arch.
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  1. 3 wedged or packed in (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical

    pressed or packed firmly together.

    wedged or packed closely and firmly together so as to be immovable.

    Example

    The pipe was blocked by a mass of impacted debris.

    Example

    The geologist noted that the lower strata consisted of heavily impacted sediment that had hardened over several millennia.

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