dysentery

noun

dys·​en·​tery ˈdi-sᵊn-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dysentery (audio)
-ˌte-rē
plural dysenteries
1
: a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood and usually caused by infection
2

Examples of dysentery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My father died under the Khmer Rouge, succumbing to dysentery and malnutrition after being forced to work in a labor camp. Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025 The plant can be helpful in the treatment of rheumatism, dysentery, stomach ulcers, and nausea, with the leaves having a positive influence on respiration and a capacity to cleanse the blood of toxic metabolites, notably uric acid. Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025 Housing is a major factor in the spread, say Portland health officials The dysentery infection currently spreading most prominently among Multnomah County is shigellosis, the most common form of dysentery infection caused by the shigella bacteria. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 Her father, James V, who likely died of cholera or dysentery after suffering a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Solway Moss in November 1542, left behind his newborn daughter as his only legitimate heir. Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dysentery

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dissenterie, borrowed from Latin dysenteria (Medieval Latin desintiria, dissenteria), borrowed from Greek dysentería, from dys- dys- + éntera (neuter plural) "intestines" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at inter-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysentery was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dysentery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysentery. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dysentery

noun
dys·​en·​tery ˈdis-ən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dysentery (audio)
1
: a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood from the bowels
2

Medical Definition

dysentery

noun
dys·​en·​tery ˈdis-ᵊn-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dysentery (audio)
plural dysenteries
1
: a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood and usually caused by infection
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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