meconium

[ mi-koh-nee-uhm ]

noun

1. the first fecal excretion of a newborn child, composed chiefly of bile, mucus, and epithelial cells.
2. fecal mass released at pupation by the larvae of some insects.
3. the milky sap of the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy; crude opium.

meconium

/ mɪˈkəʊnɪəm /

noun

1. the dark green mucoid material that forms the first faeces of a newborn infant
2. opium or the juice from the opium poppy

Word History and Origins

Origin of meconium¹

1595–1605; < Latin < Greek mēkṓnion, diminutive of mḗkōn poppy

Word History and Origins

Origin of meconium¹

C17: from New Latin, from Latin: poppy juice (used also of infant's excrement because of similarity in colour), from Greek mēkōneion, from mēkōn poppy

Example Sentences

Meconium usually has very little odor and generally passes within the first few days out of the womb.

From Popular-Science

This can happen if the baby is under stress and passes the meconium while still in the uterus.

From Popular-Science

A little of the substance called meconium even collects in the intestines, the same as is found in at birth.

From Project Gutenberg

The meconium is more abundant, and lower down in the intestines.

From Project Gutenberg

The bones are tolerably firm, and the meconium collects in the large intestines.

From Project Gutenberg

The meconium is black, and when the infant is effectually eased of it, the subsequent stools are of a whitish cast.

From Project Gutenberg

In the bowels of children at the time of their birth, there is an accumulation of what is called "the meconium."

From Project Gutenberg