tenesmus

noun

te·nes·mus tə-ˈnez-məs

: a distressing but ineffectual urge to evacuate the rectum or bladder

Examples of tenesmus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Shigella infections known as shigellosis can cause a fever, abdominal cramping, tenesmus and diarrhea that is bloody. —

Amanda Sealy, CNN, 25 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin tēnesmos, tēnesmus, borrowed from Greek teinesmós, from teínein "to stretch, strain" + -esmos, suffix of action nouns — more at tenant entry 1

First Known Use

1527, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of tenesmus was in 1527

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Style

“Tenesmus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenesmus. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

tenesmus

noun

te·nes·mus tə-ˈnez-məs

: a distressing but ineffectual urge to evacuate the rectum or urinary bladder

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tenesmus

noun

Examples of tenesmus in a Sentence

Word History

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