enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈe-nə-mə 

plural enemas also enemata ˌe-nə-ˈmä-tə  ˈe-nə-mə-tə 

1

: the injection of liquid into the rectum and colon by way of the anus

2

: material for injection as an enema

Examples of enema in a Sentence

The nurse gave the patient an enema.

Recent Examples on the Web

Children usually remain at the hospital after the enema because there is a 10% risk of the intussusception returning in the first 24 hours after the procedure. —Sayaka Blickenderfer, Phd, Health, 13 Mar. 2025

Autistic children are forced to drink this poison all day long and forced to suffer burning bleach enemas. —David Gilbert, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025

In 2018, the clean beauty and living gurus at Goop included a coffee enema in their detox guide, and the world was scandalized. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025

These alternative treatments include dietary changes and supplements consumed via juices, fresh fruits, vegetables, coffee enemas and more. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, from enienai to inject, from en- + hienai to send — more at jet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enema

• adenoma

Kids Definition

enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈen-ə-mə 

: the injection of liquid into the rectum by way of the anus usually to cause the intestines to empty

also : the material injected

Medical Definition

enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈen-ə-mə 

plural enemas also enemata ˌen-ə-ˈmät-ə  ˈen-ə-mə-tə 

1

: the injection of liquid into the rectum and colon by way of the anus (as for cleansing or examination)

2

: the liquid injected by an enema