The word "enema" is spelled with four letters, but the pronunciation can be a bit tricky to understand. The IPA phonetic transcription for "enema" is /ˈɛnəmə/. The first syllable, "en," is pronounced like the word "hen," while the second syllable, "e," is pronounced like the letter "e" in "pet." The final syllable, "ma," is pronounced like the word "ma" in "mama." This medical term refers to a procedure in which liquid is inserted into the rectum for therapeutic or cleansing purposes.
An enema refers to a medical procedure that involves introducing liquid or gas into the rectum and lower colon through the use of a nozzle or tube. The main purpose of an enema is to help cleanse or evacuate the bowels, although it may also serve other therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. This process typically involves the insertion of the nozzle or tube into the rectum, following which the liquid or gas is allowed to flow into the colon. The liquid used for an enema often consists of substances like water, saline solution, mineral oil, or medicated solutions to stimulate bowel movement, soften stool, or treat certain medical conditions.
Enemas can be administered in various settings, such as medical facilities, clinics, or self-administered at home under healthcare professionals' guidance. Depending on the intended purpose, enemas can be classified into different types, including cleansing enemas, retention enemas, barium enemas, or coffee enemas.
While enemas are typically considered safe and well-tolerated, they may entail certain risks or side effects, such as rectal irritation, cramping, electrolyte imbalances, or allergic reactions. It is advisable to follow proper sterile techniques, use appropriate equipment, and seek proper guidance from healthcare professionals when considering an enema procedure for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
Clyster, rectal injection, lavement; a fluid injected into the rectum for the purpose of clearing out the bowel, or of administering drugs or food.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A medicine thrown into the lower bowel.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "enema" originates from the Greek word "ἔνεμα" (énema), which means "an injection". It comes from the Greek verb "ἐνείνειν" (eneínein), meaning "to send in" or "to inject". This Greek term was adopted into Latin as "enema" with the same meaning. Over time, it entered various European languages and retained its original meaning, referring to the process of introducing liquid into the rectum for various medical purposes.