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Synonyms

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

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