Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical procedure involving liquid: An enema is the introduction of a liquid into the rectum and colon through the anus.
   • Purpose for evacuation: Its primary purpose is to stimulate the bowel to cause a bowel movement, relieving constipation or preparing the bowel for certain medical procedures.
   • Purpose for diagnosis or treatment: Sometimes, an enema is used for diagnostic purposes (e.g., a barium enema for X-ray imaging) or to administer medication.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The nurse administered an enema to the patient before the surgery.
  • For severe constipation, a doctor might recommend a saline enema.
  • The barium enema helped the radiologist examine the colon.

Advanced Usage

• "To give/receive an enema": This is the standard phrasing for the action of administering or undergoing the procedure.
  • The protocol requires a nurse to give the enema.
• "Enema bag": Refers to the equipment, typically a bag and tube, used for the procedure.
  • She prepared the enema bag with the prescribed solution.

Variants and Related Words

• Clyster (noun, archaic): An old-fashioned term for an enema.
• Enemata (noun): The rare plural form of 'enema', sometimes used in medical contexts.

Synonyms

• Rectal infusion: A more formal, clinical synonym.
• Colonic irrigation: Often refers to a similar procedure, sometimes implying a larger volume of liquid or a different purpose (e.g., alternative therapy).

Related Phrases (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Barium enema: A specific type of enema containing barium sulfate, used as a contrast agent for X-ray imaging of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
• Fleet enema: A brand name for a common, pre-packaged type of enema solution available over-the-counter.
• Soapsuds enema (SSE): A historical type of enema using a mild soap and water solution.

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms directly based on the word 'enema'.)

Noun

1. an injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes