Definition

1. Noun:
   • A congenital condition characterized by the absence of the normal network of nerves in the colon: This condition, also known as Hirschsprung's disease, results in a lack of the urge to defecate, causing feces to accumulate and leading to an enlarged colon (megacolon).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The infant was diagnosed with congenital megacolon shortly after birth.
  • Surgery is often required to treat congenital megacolon.

Advanced Usage

• Medical diagnosis: The term is used in clinical and medical contexts to describe a specific birth defect of the enteric nervous system.
  • The pediatric surgeon explained the procedure for correcting the congenital megacolon.

Variants and Related Words

• Hirschsprung's disease (n): The more common medical term for congenital megacolon.
  • Hirschsprung's disease is another name for this condition.
• Aganglionic megacolon (n): A technical term emphasizing the absence of nerve ganglia.
  • Aganglionic megacolon refers to the same pathological finding.

Synonyms

• Hirschsprung's disease: The primary synonym in medical terminology.

Related Phrases

• Congenital condition: A broader term for any condition present from birth.
• Enteric nervous system: The network of nerves in the gut that is defective in this condition.

Noun

1. congenital condition in which the colon does not have the normal network of nerves; there is little urge to defecate so the feces accumulate and cause megacolon