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

Milla — a young woman who feels disillusioned by doctors that treat her like a recalcitrant child, directing even conversations about her treatment to her father instead of her — finds false security in quacks selling enemas and juice cleanses. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025

Any parent knows, 6 to 8 p.m. is like an enema of broken glass, nervous system wise. —Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025

Squeeze a small amount of water into your rectum — doing an entire bottle or enema at once can make the process worse or cause an internal issue. —Matt Baume, Them, 30 Nov. 2024

Rachel had worried that that year of enemas would scar August forever, psychologically, and the many months of colostomy bags after that, but the boy had grown up well-adjusted, all things considered. —Camille Bordas, Harper's Magazine, 2 May 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