Feces Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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feces

[ˈfiːsiːz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

Waste matter discharged from the intestines through the anus; excrement.

Synonyms

excrement, stool, waste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feces

Used in medical or scientific contexts to describe solid waste discharged from the bowels.

  • Doctors collected a sample of feces for testing.
  • The study focused on the impact of diet on feces composition.
excrement

A more formal term for bodily waste, often used in scientific or environmental discussions.

  • The area was contaminated with animal excrement.
  • Proper disposal of human excrement is crucial for public health.
stool

Commonly used in medical or everyday settings to refer to solid waste from the digestive tract. It is often used when discussing health or medical tests.

  • The doctor asked for a stool sample.
  • Changes in stool color can indicate health problems.
waste

A general term that can refer to any material that is not needed and is discarded, including bodily waste. It is a more casual, broad term.

  • The body processes food and eliminates waste.
  • Proper waste disposal is important for sanitation.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor asked the patient to provide a sample of feces for testing.
  • The presence of blood in the feces may indicate a serious health issue.
  • She wore gloves while cleaning up the dog's feces in the backyard.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

Something regarded as disgusting or abhorrent.

Synonyms

garbage, nonsense, rubbish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feces

Used in a biological or medical context to describe solid waste matter discharged from the intestines through the anus.

  • The doctor tested the patient's feces for signs of infection.
  • Animal feces should be cleaned up promptly to avoid health hazards.

Examples of usage

  • She found the idea of eating insects to be absolute feces.
  • The quality of the food served at the restaurant was described as feces by the critics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'feces'

The word 'feces' comes from the Latin word 'faex,' meaning 'dregs' or 'sediment.' It has been used in English since the early 15th century to refer to excrement. The medical significance of feces in diagnosing health conditions has been recognized for centuries, with the practice of examining feces for signs of illness dating back to ancient times. In modern times, the term 'feces' is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts to describe waste material from the digestive system.