Constipated

/ˈkɒnstɪpeɪtɪd/ adjective

Definition

Unable to have normal bowel movements due to digestive problems; suffering from a condition where waste moves slowly through the digestive system.

Etymology

From Latin 'constipare' meaning 'to crowd together' or 'to block up,' from 'con-' (together) and 'stipare' (to press). The -ed suffix marks it as an adjective describing a state.

Kelly Says

The Latin root 'stipare' originally meant to pack things tightly—constipated literally means your digestive system is 'packed too tightly.' It's a medical term that comes directly from describing the physical problem in Latin!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.