ileus

[ il-ee-uhs ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. intestinal obstruction characterized by lack of peristalsis and leading to severe colicky pain and vomiting.

ileus

/ ˈɪlɪəs /

noun

1. obstruction of the intestine, esp the ileum, by mechanical occlusion or as the result of distension of the bowel following loss of muscular action

Word History and Origins

Origin of ileus¹

1700–10; < Latin īleus colic < Greek eileós, equivalent to eile- (stem of eílein to roll) + -os noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of ileus¹

C18: from Latin īleos severe colic, from Greek eileos a rolling, twisting, from eilein to roll

Example Sentences

"The FDA updated the side effect profile of Ozempic in late September 2023 to include ileus, a temporarily paralysis of the intestinal muscles."

From Salon

A: When surgeons work on the gastrointestinal tract, it often causes “postoperative ileus.”

From Seattle Times

She had meconium ileus, a blockage in her bowel, and was rushed to another hospital for an operation at only 12 hours old.

From The Guardian

Fisher started with the mysterious ileus and added the strange twitches he saw.

From New York Times

X-rays of my abdomen showed a condition called an ileus.

From Washington Post