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.

---

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

One person reported that there was “a sick inmate in the bunk above them whose defecation was falling into their bunk.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Scientific American

It’s in our bodies: our lung tissue, our blood and in the dark, tarry first defecation of newborns.

From Los Angeles Times

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