enema
/'enimə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- an injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes