rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydysenteryIntestinal infection
noun

dysentery

DISS-un-tair-ee/ˈdɪsənteri/

An intestinal infection causing severe diarrhea, often with blood.

The woman suffers abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea from dysentery.

An older woman with abdominal cramps bends beside an open toilet containing watery stool with a small amount of visible blood, directly depicting the defining symptoms of dysentery.
Etymology
dysGreekbad, abnormal
+enteryGreekintestine

The pieces describe an unhealthy condition of the intestines. The name refers specifically to an inflammatory intestinal illness, connecting the affected organ with the severe, sometimes bloody diarrhea.

In context

Medical Centric Podcast0:00
today's topic is dysentery dysentery is an intestinal inflammation primarily of the colon it can lead to mild or severe stomach cramps and severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in the feces
What is Dysentery? Causes, Signs and symptoms, Diagnosis and treatment.

More examples

  • The doctor tests a stool sample to confirm dysentery.
  • People with dysentery can lose dangerous amounts of fluid.
  • Washing hands with soap helps prevent the spread of dysentery.

Forms

dysenteric adjective — Caused by or relating to dysentery.