defecation

American  

[def-i-key-shuhn] / ˌdɛf ɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of voiding excrement from the bowels; bowel movement.

   For best results, the stool sample should be tested within half an hour of defecation.

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Etymology

Origin of defecation

First recorded in 1620–30, for an earlier sense; from Latin dēfaecātiōn-, stem of dēfaecātiō “a cleansing,” from dēfaecāre “to cleanse, refine”; defecate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

There are always tales of rampant public defecation and they can't stop talking about it.

From Salon • Dec. 1, 2023

“At times, they sparkle with scales, like the sun glinting on the water. Every whale defecation is unique,” he writes.

From Scientific American • Oct. 19, 2023

Of the people we interviewed, 70% reported using a public restroom — if one is available — and 44% reported practicing open defecation because no restroom is nearby when they need one.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2023

In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that 100% of India's villages had declared themselves free of open defecation after a massive toilet-building programme by his government.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2023

Diarrhea became the constant companion of many riders, some of whom became virtuosos of defecation.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand