dysentery
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪs(ə)nt(ə)ri/
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Definition of dysentery
noun
- infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhoea with the presence of blood and mucus in the faeces: a sudden attack of dysentery
- Amoebic dysentery is caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, mainly in warm climates, and spread by contaminated water and food; bacterial dysentery is caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella and can also spread by contact (see shigella)
Derivatives
Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French dissenterie, or via Latin from Greek dusenteria, from dusenteros 'afflicted in the bowels', from dus- 'bad' + entera 'bowels'
