encopresis

[en-kuh-pree-sis]

noun

Psychiatry.

plural

encopreses 

1. involuntary defecation.

encopresis

/ ˌɛnkəʊˈpriːsɪs, ˌɛnkəʊˈprɛtɪk /

noun

1. involuntary discharge of faeces, esp when associated with psychiatric disturbance

Other Word Forms

• encopretic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encopresis¹

< New Latin < Greek en- en- ² + kópr ( os ) dung + -esis, as in enuresis

Word History and Origins

Origin of encopresis¹

C20: from New Latin, from Greek _en- ² + _copr ( _o ) _- , + -esis as in _enuresis

Example Sentences

Her son is 15, regularly needs to visit medical specialists and takes several medications for a condition known as fecal incontinence or encopresis.

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In extreme cases, children can develop what is called encopresis, when liquid stool leaks out around the hard, impacted stuff clogging up the colon.

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