flatulence

American  

[flach-uh-luhns] / ˈflætʃ ə ləns /

Sometimes flatulency

noun

1. the condition of having an accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal.

   To avoid the uncomfortable feeling of flatulence, increase your fiber intake gradually.

2. the expulsion of alimentary gas through the anus.

   Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and headache.

3. inflated and empty speech or writing; unsupported pretension; pomposity.

   His lectures, noted for their flatulence, were popular fodder for mocking.

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Etymology

Origin of flatulence

First recorded in 1700–10; from French ; flatul(ent) ( def. ) + -ence ( def. )

Example Sentences

Eating foods that contain gluten can trigger a range of gut symptoms, such as diarrhoea, stomach aches, sloating and flatulence, indigestion and constipation.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

The study will use Smart Underwear to measure flatulence patterns continuously in hundreds of participants while also analyzing their diets and gut microbiome composition.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

Researchers have developed a tiny, battery-powered hydrogen sensor that continuously monitors a wearer’s flatulence, with the aim of collecting data to improve digestive health.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Denmark has agreed on how to implement the world’s first tax on agricultural emissions, including flatulence by livestock.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2024

Muhammad grabs my camera and keeps it away from me, via his typical flatulence threats, while he scrolls through my pictures.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali