defecation

noun

def·​e·​ca·​tion ˌde-fi-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce defecation (audio)
1
: the discharge of solid waste from the anus : the act or process of defecating
To meet the clinical definition of IBS [irritable bowel syndrome], you must have had 12 weeks … of abdominal pain or discomfort within the past year, associated with relief with defecation and a change in the form or frequency of stool.Food and Fitness Advisor
2
: feces, excrement
At first it was believable because, as Gov. Mario Cuomo said at the outset, "She's covered with defecation, her hair is shorn … "Ellen Goodman
William Allen Livingston lost several ounces of urine and defecation when the fusillade of .38 caliber and .00 buckshot devastated him …Joseph Wambaugh

Examples of defecation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Locals in turn threaten to protest with a mass defecation into the river. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 30 June 2024 This, in addition to vomiting, can result in urination, defecation and yowling. Marlene Cimons, Washington Post, 29 June 2024 Most cities reeked of death, defecation, and industrial waste. Big Think, 24 June 2024 Scientists and marine experts note the crucial role of whales in the ocean’s carbon cycle, acting as fertilizer pumps by consuming nutrients from the deep sea and releasing them at the surface through defecation. Jared Formanek, CNN, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for defecation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defecation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defecation was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near defecation

Cite this Entry

“Defecation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defecation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

defecation

noun
def·​e·​ca·​tion
variants or chiefly British defaecation
: discharge of feces
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