constipation

American  

[kon-stuh-pey-shuhn] / ˌkɒn stəˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a condition of the bowels in which the feces are dry and hardened and evacuation is difficult and infrequent.

2. Informal. a state of slowing down, sluggishness, or inactivity.

3. Obsolete. the act of crowding anything into a smaller compass; condensation.

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constipation British  

/ ˌkɒnstɪˈpeɪʃən /

noun

1. infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels, with hard faeces, caused by functional or organic disorders or improper diet

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Etymology

Origin of constipation

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English constipacioun, from Middle French, from Late Latin constīpātiōn-, stem of constīpātiō; equivalent to constipate + -ion

Compare meaning

How does constipation compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• obstipation vs. constipation

Example Sentences

The most common contributing factors are obesity, pregnancy and postpartum changes, constipation and prolonged sitting on the toilet, which is getting lengthier due to cellphone use in the bathroom, Rezaie said.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Essentially, constipation disrupts the intestinal microbiota, which worsens kidney function. Working backwards, we hypothesized that we could improve kidney function by treating constipation."

From Science Daily

Researchers from Mass General Brigham conducted a new study examining whether five widely followed diets could help prevent chronic constipation in middle- and older-age adults.

From Science Daily

Infant-botulism symptoms include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control and difficulty swallowing, which can progress to difficulty breathing and respiratory arrest, the FDA said.

From The Wall Street Journal

If magnesium is combined with chloride, it is recommended for muscle tension and pre-menstrual cramps, while citrate and oxide blends are aimed at digestion and help with constipation.

From BBC

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