enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈe-nə-mə 

plural enemas also enemata ˌe-nə-ˈmä-tə  ˈe-nə-mə-tə 

1

: the injection of liquid into the rectum and colon by way of the anus

2

: material for injection as an enema

Examples of enema in a Sentence

The nurse gave the patient an enema.

Recent Examples on the Web

The victims would be subjected to high-pressure enemas, the unexpected shaving of their genitals and, in some cases, unwanted performance-enhancing injections in their penises, the indictment alleges. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 3 Dec. 2024

Most drugstores also sell Fleet brand enemas, or some variation, which is a go-to for many holes in need. —Matt Baume, Them, 30 Nov. 2024

Try an enema: An enema can be used to loosen stool in the rectum for occasional relief. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 28 Nov. 2024

The studio wanted the film to end with the comic scene (completed with a visual gag about enemas) where the doctor turns his interns into patients. —Jeanie Kasindorf, Vulture, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, from enienai to inject, from en- + hienai to send — more at jet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈen-ə-mə 

: the injection of liquid into the rectum by way of the anus usually to cause the intestines to empty

also : the material injected

Medical Definition

enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈen-ə-mə 

plural enemas also enemata ˌen-ə-ˈmät-ə  ˈen-ə-mə-tə 

1

: the injection of liquid into the rectum and colon by way of the anus (as for cleansing or examination)

2

: the liquid injected by an enema