diarrhea

noun

di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə 

1

: abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools (see stool entry 1 sense 3a)

symptoms include fever, nausea, and diarrhea

2

: excessive flow

verbal diarrhea

diarrheal

ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-əl 

adjective

diarrheic

ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ik 

adjective

diarrhetic

ˌdī-ə-ˈre-tik 

adjective

Synonyms

• Delhi belly
• flux
• Montezuma's revenge
• runs
• trots
• turista

Examples of diarrhea in a Sentence

The symptoms of the disease include fever, nausea, and diarrhea.

I was taken with severe diarrhea while attending the conference.

Recent Examples on the Web

Food-allergy reactions can lead to symptoms such as hives, rashes, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and coughing or wheezing. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. —Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024

Consuming large amounts of sodium can cause excessive thirst, urination, vomiting and diarrhea. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

It’s meant to induce diarrhea that will ensure your colon is clear for the procedure. —Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diaria, from Late Latin diarrhoea, from Greek diarrhoia, from diarrhein to flow through, from dia- + rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diarrhea

• traveler's diarrhea

Kids Definition

diarrhea

noun

di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə 

: abnormally frequent and watery bowel movements

Medical Definition

diarrhea

noun

di·​ar·​rhea

variants or chiefly British diarrhoea

ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə 

: abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools