Pronunciation: [kˈɒstɪv] (IPA) 
The word "costive" is spelled with a silent "o" in the middle, despite the fact that it is pronounced as "kaw-stiv". This is because the word's origins can be traced back to the Latin word "constipatus", which means "to press together" or "to pack tightly". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved, resulting in the current spelling with a silent "o" and a pronunciation that differs from its spelling.
Costive is an adjective that is commonly used to describe the condition of having difficulty or infrequency in passing bowel movements. This term is primarily associated with constipation in humans. When an individual experiences costive symptoms, it means that they are experiencing a delay in the transit of stool through the intestines, resulting in the hardening and infrequency of bowel movements.
In a broader context, costive can also refer to any kind of sluggishness, stagnation, or delay in action. This includes situations where a process or activity is slow to progress or experience a lack of productivity. In such cases, the term costive is often employed figuratively to convey a sense of obstruction or blockage hindering the regular flow or pace of events.
The term costive finds its origin in Late Latin, derived from the Latin word "costa" meaning "rib." The association between costive and constipation emerged from the belief in the past that the bowels were connected to the ribs. Furthermore, costive can be traced back to the Greek term "kōstos," which also refers to constipation.
Overall, costive is an adjective that is used to describe the condition of infrequency of bowel movements or anything that is stagnant, sluggish, or delayed in action.
Constipated, especially by reason of dryness of the feces rather than as a consequence of muscular atony.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Bound or confined in the bowels.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "costive" comes from the Latin word "constipatus", which is the past participle of "constipare". "Constipare" is derived from "con-" meaning "together" and "stipare" meaning "to press or cram". By combining these elements, the Latin word gives the sense of "to compress". In English, the word "costive" originally referred to constipation or the lack of movement in the bowels, consequently, it later came to be associated with sluggishness or being slow-moving in a broader sense.
