irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is characterized especially by constipation or diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, and the passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

Examples of irritable bowel syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All of these specialized neurons offer potential targets for treating everything from high blood pressure to depression to irritable bowel syndrome, Duca says. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024

Up to three-quarters of the American food supply, and two-thirds of children's diets in the U.S., consist of UPF, which studies cited by the lawsuit have linked to higher risks of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, diabetes, dementia and poor mental health. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

One of the most common conditions that's associated with abdominal pain or discomfort is irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

However, people with digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that sauerkraut worsens their symptoms. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is of unknown etiology but is often associated with abnormal intestinal motility and increased sensitivity to visceral pain and that is characterized by diarrhea or constipation or diarrhea alternating with constipation, abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating, and passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

called also irritable colon, irritable colon syndrome, mucous colitis, spastic colon