feces

American  

[fee-seez] / ˈfi siz /

especially British, faeces

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. waste matter discharged from the intestines through the anus; excrement.

2. dregs; sediment.

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feces British  

/ ˈfiːsiːz /

plural noun

1. the usual US spelling of faeces

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feces Scientific  

/ fē′sēz /

1. Waste matter eliminated from the intestinal tract.

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feces Cultural  

1. Excrement; the waste material that is passed to the outside from the rectum through the anus.

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Etymology

Origin of feces

1425–75; late Middle English < Latin faecēs grounds, dregs, sediment (plural of faex )

Explanation

Feces is a technical word for poop: the brown stuff you excrete from your butt. Everyone makes feces. Also called a bowel movement or stool — plus hundreds of terms in slang — feces is the solid waste material your body makes when you go number two. This isn't the word you'd probably use with your buddies, but it is the right word if you're writing a paper or talking to a teacher. Talking about feces can seem funny, but it's pretty important: if you couldn't make feces, you'd die.

Example Sentences

Feces are placed in disposable bags that compact and will be brought back to Earth.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Feces, urine, and other bodily fluids would fly through the containment cages’ mesh wire.

From Slate • Oct. 20, 2024

Feces might act like a reverse deodorant, overlaying its foul stench atop the alluring waxy, floral scent that typically wafts from more pristine nests.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2020

Feces are unique calling cards, packed with information about an animal’s identity, stress level, diet and reproductive cycle.

From Seattle Times • May 19, 2019

F�ces, Feces, fē′sēz, n.pl. sediment after infusion or distillation: dregs: the solid excrements.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Related Words

• dung
• excrement
• poo
• poop
• shit