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Bedpan: meaning, definitions and examples

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bedpan

 

[ ˈbɛdˌpæn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical equipment

A bedpan is a shallow container used by patients who are confined to bed to urinate or defecate in. It is designed to allow for comfort and privacy while providing a means for bodily functions in a non-traditional setting. Bedpans are often made from plastic or metal and can be used in hospital and home care.

Synonyms

commode pan, urinal pan

Examples of usage

  • The nurse brought a bedpan for the recovering patient.
  • After surgery, she had to use a bedpan until she could get out of bed.
  • It's important to keep the bedpan clean and sanitary.
  • He felt embarrassed using a bedpan in front of the nurse.

Translations

Translations of the word "bedpan" in other languages:

🇵🇹 urinóforo

🇮🇳 बिस्तर पैन

🇩🇪 Bettschüssel

🇮🇩 panci tempat tidur

🇺🇦 кратер для ліжка

🇵🇱 naczynie na łóżku

🇯🇵 ベッドパン

🇫🇷 urinal de lit

🇪🇸 orinal de cama

🇹🇷 yatak lazımı

🇰🇷 침대 통

🇸🇦 وعاء سرير

🇨🇿 nočník

🇸🇰 nočník

🇨🇳 床上便盆

🇸🇮 posteljna ponva

🇮🇸 rúmföt

🇰🇿 төсек табақшасы

🇬🇪 საწოლის ჭიქა

🇦🇿 yataq qabı

🇲🇽 bacinica

Word origin

The term 'bedpan' is derived from the combination of 'bed' and 'pan.' The word 'bed' traces its origins back to Old English 'bædd,' which means a sleeping place or a place for lying down. The 'pan' part comes from the Latin 'patina,' meaning a shallow dish or plate. Historical records indicate that bedpans have been used since at least the 18th century, primarily for bedridden patients who could not get up to use a toilet. Prior to the modern design, various cultures utilized makeshift containers, often made from ceramic or metal, for similar purposes. Over the years, the design and materials of bedpans have evolved, with contemporary versions emphasizing hygiene and ease of cleaning, reflecting advances in medical care and patient comfort.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,790 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.