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”; see defecate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Research shows that when more restrooms are available, open defecation declines.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2023

Instead they have a single orifice called a cloaca that is used for defecation as well as reproduction in both males and females.

From Scientific American • Feb. 16, 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

In all, 155 out of 293 traditional communities were certified as free of open defecation, said Dr. Mwansambo, the health official.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2023

I was doubled over with pain, shaking with it, when a process, normal for most but long forgotten by me, set itself into motion: defecation.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel