The word "meconial" is spelled with the letters M-E-C-O-N-I-A-L. It is pronounced as məˈkoʊniəl, with the stress on the second syllable. The word is derived from meconium, the first stool of a newborn, which is composed of digestive fluids and shedding of intestinal cells. Meconial can refer to anything related to meconium, such as meconial peritonitis, a condition in which the meconium becomes trapped in the abdominal cavity due to a tear in the bowel. Proper spelling is crucial in medical terminology to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.
Meconial is an adjective that refers to something related to or characteristic of meconium. Meconium is the term used to describe the thick, greenish-black, sticky substance that forms the first feces of a newborn baby. It is usually passed within the first few days after birth and is composed of materials ingested by the fetus while in the womb, such as amniotic fluid, mucus, skin cells, and other waste matter.
When used in a medical or biological context, meconial is often associated with specific conditions or complications related to the presence or passage of meconium. For instance, meconial aspiration syndrome is a condition in which a newborn inhales or aspirates the meconium into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory distress or infection. Similarly, meconial ileus is a condition where meconium blocks the intestines, often seen in infants with cystic fibrosis.
Due to its distinct appearance and characteristics, meconial can also be a helpful indicator for healthcare professionals when assessing the health and well-being of a newborn. The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid during labor may indicate fetal distress, while the absence of meconium in a newborn's first bowel movement within the expected timeframe may raise concerns about bowel function or obstruction.
The word "meconial" is derived from the Greek word "mekonion", which means "poppy juice". It is related to the Greek word "mekonion" because the color and consistency of meconium, which is a blackish-green substance that newborns pass in their first few days of life, resembles the color and texture of poppy juice.