noun
constipation
kahn-stih-PAY-shun/ˌkɑːnstɪˈpeɪʃn/
Difficulty or infrequency in passing stools.
The woman strains uncomfortably on the toilet because of constipation.
Etymology
The pieces evoke packing or pressing things together. Applied to the bowels, that image names a condition in which evacuation is obstructed or difficult.
In context
bowel movement without pushing or straining and you should also feel like your bowels are completely empty the first thing I do when someone tells me they're having issues with constipation is to look at their medication list
More examples
- The medication leaflet lists constipation as a possible side effect.
- He keeps a record of the days affected by constipation.
- The nurse explains the difference between occasional and chronic constipation.
Forms
constipation