constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
1
: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of usually dry hardened feces
2

Examples of constipation in a Sentence

A side effect of the drug is constipation.
Recent Examples on the Web As a result, patients can develop constipation or other GI concerns. Kristen Fischer, Health, 15 Mar. 2024 Avoid chugging a full bottle of magnesium citrate, often used before colonoscopies to relieve constipation, no matter what someone from a viral TikTok with 27.8 million views and counting suggests. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Moderate to high levels of exposure can cause children to suffer from headaches, abdominal pain, dullness, loss of memory, poor attention, loss of appetite or constipation. Unicef Usa, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 That said, there is such a thing as eating too much protein, and excessive protein can cause constipation and kidney problems. Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2024 Consuming excessive iron during pregnancy can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting. Casey Seiden, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 Generally, all probiotics tend to relieve issues like diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain if taken long term. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2024 Magnesium citrate helps constipation by increasing gut motility, creating a laxative effect. Britannay Scanniello, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024 Notably, among these additives is polyethylene glycol, a medication used for managing constipation, according to the National Institute of Health. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constipation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constipation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near constipation

Cite this Entry

“Constipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constipation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

constipation

noun
con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
: abnormally difficult or infrequent bowel movements

Medical Definition

constipation

noun
con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of dry hardened feces

More from Merriam-Webster on constipation

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