enema
/ˈɛn.ə.mə/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.85 in modern English
7
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
3
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
An injection of fluid into the large intestine by way of the rectum, usually for medical purposes.
noun
A device for administering such an injection.
verb
To administer an enema.
Example Sentences
- "To the distensile enema of simple tepid water, no valid objection can be urged."
- "[…] It is further neglected by a mental dependence upon cathartics or enemata to produce the stimulation. Defecalgesiophobia is a common cause for neglecting the act."
- "Iatrogenic poisoning can result from the use of magnesium in the treatment of hypertension or of toxemia of pregnancy; deaths have been reported from the use of magnesium sulfate enemas in megacolon and from oral administration for purging."
- "But alcohol enemas are no laughing matter, experts say. […] Using an alcohol enema involves placing a small tube into someone’s rectum and pouring alcohol into the colon."
- "And there is even a little known author, but a very credible one, who says that in a certain castle the Knight of Phoebus was caught in a certain trapdoor that opened beneath his feet, and he fell and found himself in a deep pit under the earth, tied hand and foot, and there he was given an enema, composed of melted snow and sand, which almost killed him, and had he not been helped in those dire straits by a wise man who was a great friend of his, things would have gone very badly for the poor knight."
- "It's common to enema before anal sex."
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Late Latin enema, itself borrowed from Ancient Greek ἔνεμα (énema, “injection”), from ἐνίημι (eníēmi, “to send in, inject”).
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: ἔνεμα
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈɛn.ə.mə/
- British English: /ˈɛn.ə.mə/