Logo
dictionary thesaurus

tenesmus

noun
te·​nes·​mus | \ tə-ˈnez-məs How to pronounce tenesmus (audio) \

Definition of tenesmus

: a distressing but ineffectual urge to evacuate the rectum or bladder

First Known Use of tenesmus

1527, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tenesmus

borrowed from Latin tēnesmos, tēnesmus, borrowed from Greek teinesmós, from teínein "to stretch, strain" + -esmos, suffix of action nouns — more at tenant entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for tenesmus

tenesmus

noun
te·​nes·​mus | \ tə-ˈnez-məs How to pronounce tenesmus (audio) \

Medical Definition of tenesmus

: a distressing but ineffectual urge to evacuate the rectum or urinary bladder

WORD OF THE DAY

contrite

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!