continence
Americannoun
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self-restraint or abstinence, especially in regard to sexual activity; temperance; moderation.
-
Physiology. the ability to voluntarily control urinary and fecal discharge.
Other Word Forms
- noncontinence noun
- noncontinency noun
- uncontinence noun
Etymology
Origin of continence
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word continentia. See continent, -ence
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They had had a tick list of tasks to complete and often that was too long to include meaningful engagement, support with eating or unhurried continence care.
From BBC
At other times, staff failed to change continence aids regularly enough.
From BBC
The brain’s ability to regulate bodily functions, like swallowing and continence, erodes.
From Los Angeles Times
She said children were being failed in areas where there was no dedicated children's continence service.
From BBC
When treating the prostate gland, for example, medics want to avoid damage to the nearby bladder or rectum, which could leave patients with lifelong continence issues.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
