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

Multiple studies have shown that placebos can help with certain conditions that don’t consistently respond to more traditional therapies, including back pain, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and menopausal hot flashes. —Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

This may cause providers to suspect other conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease, first. —Health, 5 Mar. 2025

Those experiencing chronic digestive conditions, like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may also want to be wary of prebiotic sodas, Zumpano recommended in a recent blog post. —Addy Bink, The Hill, 23 Feb. 2025

This includes people with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions that affect the gut. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for irritable bowel syndrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

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