Cacoproctia

/ˌkækoʊˈprɑːkʃə/ noun

Definition

A medical condition characterized by severe constipation, difficult bowel movements, or intestinal dysfunction.

Etymology

From Greek 'kakos' (bad) + 'proktos' (rectum/anus), a 19th-century medical term for bowel disorders that is now largely obsolete in professional medicine.

Kelly Says

Cacoproctia is one of dozens of digestive disorder terms doctors created in the Victorian era with Greek roots—modern gastroenterology just says 'constipation' or 'irritable bowel syndrome' instead!

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