continence

noun

con·​ti·​nence ˈkän-tə-nən(t)s 

1

: the ability to retain a bodily discharge voluntarily

fecal continence

2

: self-restraint

especially : a refraining from sexual intercourse

Synonyms

• abstinence
• celibacy
• chasteness
• chastity

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

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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

Medical Definition

continence

noun

con·​ti·​nence ˈkänt-ᵊn-ən(t)s 

1

: self-restraint in refraining from sexual intercourse

2

: the ability to retain a bodily discharge voluntarily

fecal continence