tenesmus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun painful spasm of the anal sphincter along with an urgent desire to defecate without the significant production of feces; associated with irritable bowel syndrome

WordNet


Te*nes"mus noun
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. , fr. to stretch: cf. L. tenesmos.
Definitions
  1. (Med.) An urgent and distressing sensation, as if a discharge from the intestines must take place, although none can be effected; -- always referred to the lower extremity of the rectum.

Webster 1913