diarrhea

noun

di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
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 adjective
diarrheic adjective
diarrhetic adjective

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 This could cause bloating and sometimes diarrhea or constipation. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024 Even among healthy people, a listeria infection can lead to symptoms including high fever, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 9 Aug. 2024 Small amounts of sugar speed up fluid absorption, but larger amounts have the opposite effect: too much sugar can cause diarrhea and thereby dehydrate the body. Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2024 Symptoms can include stiffness, achy muscles, fever, diarrhea, convulsions and miscarriages. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for diarrhea 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diarrhea.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of diarrhea was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near diarrhea

Cite this Entry

“Diarrhea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diarrhea. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

diarrhea

noun
di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
: abnormally frequent and watery bowel movements

Medical Definition

diarrhea

noun
di·​ar·​rhea
variants or chiefly British diarrhoea
: abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools

More from Merriam-Webster on diarrhea

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