dysentery

noun

dys·​en·​tery ˈdi-sᵊn-ˌter-ē 

-ˌte-rē

plural dysenteries

1

: a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood and usually caused by infection

2

: diarrhea

Examples of dysentery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After landing in a part of the Dutch East Indies that is now Indonesia, Earhart got dysentery—a dangerous infection in an era before antibiotics. —Laurie Gwen Shapiro, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

In summer, the heat led to outbreaks of cholera and dysentery. —Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025

Her father, James V, who likely died of cholera or dysentery after suffering a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Solway Moss in November 1542, left behind his newborn daughter as his only legitimate heir. —Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Feb. 2025

In severe cases, dysentery can be fatal, particularly for high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dissenterie, borrowed from Latin dysenteria (Medieval Latin desintiria, dissenteria), borrowed from Greek dysentería, from dys- dys- + éntera (neuter plural) "intestines" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at inter-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dysentery

• amebic dysentery

Rhymes for dysentery

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

dysentery

noun

dys·​en·​tery ˈdis-ən-ˌter-ē 

1

: a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood from the bowels

2

: diarrhea

Medical Definition

dysentery

noun

dys·​en·​tery ˈdis-ᵊn-ˌter-ē 

plural dysenteries

1

: a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood and usually caused by infection

2

: diarrhea