enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈe-nə-mə How to pronounce enema (audio)
plural enemas also enemata ˌe-nə-ˈmä-tə How to pronounce enema (audio) ˈe-nə-mə-tə How to pronounce enema (audio)
1
: the injection of liquid into the rectum and colon by way of the anus
2
: material for injection as an enema

Examples of enema in a Sentence

The nurse gave the patient an enema.
Recent Examples on the Web Leeches, enemas, and blistering—the deliberate raising of blisters on the skin—were part of the treatment. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 It was usually smoked, ingested in the form of snuff, or used as an enema. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 June 2023 The authors used an enema to administer all the poop transplants, a route the study notes would have the lowest rate of side effects. Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2023 If the enema didn’t reanimate the victim, a rescuer might try shaking the person vigorously, blood-letting, or even applying red-hot irons to the bottom of the feet. Emily McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2023 Most healthcare professionals suggest avoiding chronic use of stimulant laxatives and consulting with a medical professional before beginning enemas. Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 3 Aug. 2023 Some celebrities have promoted enemas as ways to detoxify the body (experts don't necessarily agree). Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2023 To slow the process of decay, a turpentine-like solution was sometimes injected as an enema to dissolve the digestive tract. George Johnson, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2013 Steele This party needs a political enema. Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 20 Apr. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, from enienai to inject, from en- + hienai to send — more at jet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near enema

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

enema

noun
en·​e·​ma ˈen-ə-mə How to pronounce enema (audio)
: the injection of liquid into the rectum by way of the anus usually to cause the intestines to empty
also : the material injected

Medical Definition

enema

noun
en·​e·​ma ˈen-ə-mə How to pronounce enema (audio)
plural enemas also enemata ˌen-ə-ˈmät-ə How to pronounce enema (audio) ˈen-ə-mə-tə How to pronounce enema (audio)
1
: the injection of liquid into the rectum and colon by way of the anus (as for cleansing or examination)
2
: the liquid injected by an enema
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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