ileus

[il-ee-uhs]

noun

Pathology.

1. intestinal obstruction characterized by lack of peristalsis and leading to severe colicky pain and vomiting.

ileus

/ ˈɪlɪəs /

noun

1. obstruction of the intestine, esp the ileum, by mechanical occlusion or as the result of distension of the bowel following loss of muscular action

Word History and Origins

Origin of ileus¹

1700–10; < Latin īleus colic < Greek eileós, equivalent to eile- (stem of eílein to roll) + -os noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of ileus¹

C18: from Latin īleos severe colic, from Greek eileos a rolling, twisting, from eilein to roll