Coprostasis
/ˌkɒprəˈsteɪsɪs/noun
A medical condition in which feces are retained in the bowel, causing constipation or blockage.
Did you know?Coprostasis is built from Greek κοπρός (koprós, “dung”) + στάσις (stásis, “standing still”), a classic medical compound that turns bodily trouble into a stark, almost ritual image of stagnation.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
GRK
κοπρός (koprós)
“dung, excrement”
Ancient Greek
GRK
στάσις (stásis)
“a standing still, stoppage, or state of standing”
Late Greek / Medical Greek
GRK
κοπροστάσις (koprostásis)
“retention or stoppage of feces in the bowel”
19th Century
EN
coprostasis
“medical term adopted into English for fecal retention or bowel obstruction”
Modern English
EN
coprostasis
“a condition of retained feces causing constipation or blockage”