tenesmus

noun

te·​nes·​mus tə-ˈnez-məs 

: a distressing but ineffectual urge to evacuate the rectum or bladder

Examples of tenesmus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shigella infections known as shigellosis can cause a fever, abdominal cramping, tenesmus and diarrhea that is bloody. —Amanda Sealy, CNN, 25 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin tēnesmos, tēnesmus, borrowed from Greek teinesmós, from teínein "to stretch, strain" + -esmos, suffix of action nouns — more at tenant entry 1

First Known Use

1527, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tenesmus

noun

te·​nes·​mus tə-ˈnez-məs 

: a distressing but ineffectual urge to evacuate the rectum or urinary bladder