encopresis

[ en-kuh-pree-sis ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

, plural en·co·pre·ses [en-k, uh, -, pree, -seez].

1. involuntary defecation.

encopresis

/ ˌɛnkəʊˈpriːsɪs; ˌɛnkəʊˈprɛtɪk /

noun

1. involuntary discharge of faeces, esp when associated with psychiatric disturbance

Derived Forms

• encopretic, adjective

Other Words From

• en·co·pret·ic [en-k, uh, -, pret, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encopresis¹

< New Latin < Greek en- en- ² + kópr ( os ) dung + -esis, as in enuresis

Word History and Origins

Origin of encopresis¹

C20: from New Latin, from Greek en- ² + copr ( o ) - , + -esis as in enuresis

Example Sentences

Her son is 15, regularly needs to visit medical specialists and takes several medications for a condition known as fecal incontinence or encopresis.

From New York Times

In extreme cases, children can develop what is called encopresis, when liquid stool leaks out around the hard, impacted stuff clogging up the colon.

From New York Times