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

The studio wanted the film to end with the comic scene (completed with a visual gag about enemas) where the doctor turns his interns into patients. —Jeanie Kasindorf, Vulture, 10 July 2024

This procedure uses X-rays to examine your rectum, large intestine, and the lower part of the small intestine after administration of a barium enema (a liquid containing barium sulfate that, when in the body, highlights parts of the GI tract) into your rectum. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024

Your provider may also recommend surgery if other treatments like laxatives, enemas, and manual removal are unsuccessful. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 Aug. 2024

Abdominal massage following an enema can sometimes help move the bowels and promote bowel movements to help pooping become easier.10 Manual Removal A manual (digital) removal procedure involves manually removing stool stuck in the colon or rectum. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 Aug. 2024

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

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