Meaning of Word
Diarrhea refers to the condition characterized by frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements, often accompanied by an urgent need to defecate.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- The frequent passage of loose, watery stools.
- A gastrointestinal disorder that results in an increased frequency of bowel movements, often with discomfort.
- A condition that can lead to dehydration if left untreated, especially in young children and the elderly.
History and Origin
The word diarrhea comes from the Greek diarrhoia, which means “a flowing through,” derived from dia- (through) and rhein (to flow). It was first used in English in the early 16th century to describe the condition of flowing or passing liquid stool. The modern spelling “diarrhea” was adopted after the Latin version diarrhoea.
Detailed Explanation
Diarrhea is typically a symptom of an underlying issue, such as an infection, food intolerance, or a digestive disorder. It may result from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections (like food poisoning or the stomach flu), or from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). While diarrhea can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting), it is important to manage the condition to prevent complications, such as dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations.
Example Sentences
- She had diarrhea after eating the contaminated food.
- The child was suffering from diarrhea, which caused dehydration.
- Diarrhea can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal infections.
- He was advised to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration caused by diarrhea.
- The doctor prescribed medication to treat the diarrhea caused by the virus.
- Diarrhea is a common issue when traveling to countries with poor sanitation.
- The elderly are at higher risk of dehydration due to persistent diarrhea.
- The diarrhea lasted for a few days, but it eventually passed.
- Stress and anxiety sometimes lead to episodes of diarrhea.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Loose stools: A general term for watery or unformed feces.
- Runny bowel movements: Informal description of diarrhea.
- Gastrointestinal upset: A broad term that includes diarrhea as part of digestive issues.
- Tummy trouble: A colloquial way of referring to stomach issues, including diarrhea.
- Bowel disturbance: A term for irregularities in bowel function, including diarrhea.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Dehydration: The condition caused by excessive fluid loss, often due to diarrhea.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition that can cause diarrhea as one of its symptoms.
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often leading to diarrhea.
- Food poisoning: Illness caused by contaminated food, which can lead to diarrhea.
- Stomach flu: A viral infection that often results in diarrhea.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Chronic diarrhea: Diarrhea lasting for weeks or more, often due to ongoing medical conditions.
- Acute diarrhea: Short-term diarrhea caused by infections or other transient factors.
- Traveler’s diarrhea: Diarrhea occurring after traveling to places with different food and water sanitation.
- Malabsorption: A condition where the body does not absorb nutrients properly, which can lead to diarrhea.
- Diarrheal disease: An illness primarily caused by diarrhea, often a leading cause of death in developing countries.
Antonyms
- Constipation: A condition characterized by infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements.
- Normal bowel movement: Regular, solid stool with typical frequency.
- Regularity: Consistent and healthy bowel movements.
- Firm stool: A term for stool that is solid and well-formed, the opposite of diarrhea.
- Healthy digestion: The state in which the digestive system functions properly without causing issues like diarrhea.