diarrhea

noun

di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə 

1

: abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools (see stool entry 1 sense 3a)

symptoms include fever, nausea, and diarrhea

2

: excessive flow

verbal diarrhea

diarrheal

ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-əl 

adjective

diarrheic

ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ik 

adjective

diarrhetic

ˌdī-ə-ˈre-tik 

adjective

Synonyms

• Delhi belly
• flux
• Montezuma's revenge
• runs
• trots
• turista

Examples of diarrhea in a Sentence

The symptoms of the disease include fever, nausea, and diarrhea.

I was taken with severe diarrhea while attending the conference.

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, bacteria that are known to ferment protein showed up more often in participants who had constipation or diarrhea. —Brian Mastroianni, Health, 27 Sep. 2024

Bromelain has been associated with diarrhea and upset stomach.27 Heartburn may also occur. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

That may mean frequent constipation, diarrhea, or both. —Amy Norton, SELF, 24 Sep. 2024

She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2012 and IBS—which can cause similar symptoms to IBD such as abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation but without visible signs of damage or disease to your digestive tract—in 2013. —Sarah Klein, TIME, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diaria, from Late Latin diarrhoea, from Greek diarrhoia, from diarrhein to flow through, from dia- + rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diarrhea

• traveler's diarrhea

Kids Definition

diarrhea

noun

di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə 

: abnormally frequent and watery bowel movements

Medical Definition

diarrhea

noun

di·​ar·​rhea

variants or chiefly British diarrhoea

ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə 

: abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools