Archostegnosis

/ɑːrkɒstɛɡˈnoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

A medical condition characterized by narrowing or constriction of the anus or rectum.

Etymology

From Greek ἄρχο- (árkhō-, 'anus' or 'rectum', the primary opening) plus stegnosis (from στέγνωσις, 'narrowing' or 'constriction'). Medical terminology often used 'archo-' to indicate rectal conditions.

Kelly Says

In Greek, 'archo-' specifically meant the anus/rectum—so Victorian doctors created a whole vocabulary of 'archo-' diseases like archostegnosis, which sounds dire but is just a fancy way of saying 'tight bottom.'

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