adjective
continent
Able to control urination or bowel movements.
The assessment records whether the patient remains continent.
Etymology
The Latin verb includes holding or restraining. This medical sense applies that control to bodily elimination, describing the ability to retain urine or stool until intended release.
More examples
- She remained continent throughout her recovery.
- The treatment helped him become continent again.
- The nurse asked whether he was continent at night.
Forms
continent
continence noun — control of bladder or bowel function
Similar words
- incontinent
- The opposite: unable to control urination or bowel movements.