Diarrhea
/ˌdaɪəˈriːə/noun
Frequent, loose, watery bowel movements.
Did you know?The term comes from Greek medical writing, where it described an abnormal flow of bodily fluids, and its root is the same one behind words about streams and running water.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
diarrhoia
“a flowing through; excessive discharge”
Late Greek
Greek
diarrhoia
“medical term for abnormal bodily flow, especially of the bowels”
Late Latin
Latin
diarrhoea
“a medical condition marked by frequent loose stools”
Middle French
French
diarrhée
“the same intestinal disorder”
16th Century
English
diarrhea
“a medical term for looseness or frequent discharge from the bowels”
Modern English
English
diarrhea
“frequent, loose, watery bowel movements”