enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈe-nə-mə How to pronounce enema (audio)
plural enemas also enemata ˌe-nə-ˈmä-tə How to pronounce enema (audio) ˈe-nə-mə-tə How to pronounce enema (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for enema 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of enema was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near enema

Cite this Entry

“Enema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enema. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

enema

noun
en·​e·​ma ˈen-ə-mə How to pronounce enema (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce enema (audio)
plural enemas also enemata ˌen-ə-ˈmät-ə How to pronounce enema (audio) ˈen-ə-mə-tə How to pronounce enema (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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