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.
Dorrigo’s involvement with the book launch stirs up vivid memories of his time in the Thai jungle, lobbying in vain with the Japanese command to improve conditions for the men, many of them suffering from dysentery, malnutrition and malaria. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025 Cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever are no longer health burdens in the U.S. thanks to a robust water treatment system. Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025 Jake Eberts went viral after live-tweeting his experience as a volunteer in a challenge trial for shigella, one of the bacteria that causes dysentery. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 As infectious diseases – from malaria and dengue fever to dysentery, STDs, and wound infections – proliferated in every major theater of the war, US pharmaceutical companies produced massive volumes of antibiotics for American and allied troops. Jess Craig, Vox, 1 Oct. 2024 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

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Cite this Entry

“Dysentery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysentery. Accessed 1 Mar. 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
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