continence

noun

con·​ti·​nence ˈkän-tə-nən(t)s How to pronounce continence (audio)
1
: the ability to retain a bodily discharge voluntarily
fecal continence
2
: self-restraint
especially : a refraining from sexual intercourse

Examples of continence in a Sentence

argued for a pregnancy-prevention program that did not put so much faith in the continence of teenagers experiencing a moment of unusual continence, I refrained from returning her gratuitous insult
Recent Examples on the Web Good posture helps maintain continence, support pelvic organs, and reduce back pain. Staci Tanouye, Parents, 29 Aug. 2023 Profligate spending under George W. Bush forever made laughable any Republican assertion of fiscal continence. Christopher Buckley, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2022 Any chance Sally or Ed has anxiety, digestive or continence issues, hearing loss …? Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2023 Aging in the modern era is about slow unstoppable loss - of hearing, of memory, of mobility, of continence, of dignity. Kyle Munkittrick, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2011 To maintain continence, the puborectalis muscle chokes the anal canal. Cara Schacter, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2022 But even with the delayed start, most healthy, neurotypical kids achieve at least daytime continence by age three. Leah Campbell, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2021 Share prices have soared for large Danish health companies such as Coloplast — a major player in the market for colostomy pouches, continence and skin and wound care treatments — and Genmab, a biotech company specializing in cancer treatments. Matt Phillips, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2020 This also means that patients experience higher rates of erectile-function recovery and a faster return to urinary continence. WSJ, 24 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'continence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contynence, contenence "moderation, restraint, abstinence (from sexual intercourse)," borrowed from Anglo-French continence, borrowed from Medieval Latin continentia, going back to Latin, "restraint, self-control," derivative of continent-, continens "restrained, not indulging in excesses" — more at continent entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of continence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near continence

Cite this Entry

“Continence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

continence

noun
con·​ti·​nence ˈkänt-ᵊn-ən(t)s How to pronounce continence (audio)
1
: self-restraint in refraining from sexual intercourse
2
: the ability to retain a bodily discharge voluntarily
fecal continence

More from Merriam-Webster on continence

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