irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is characterized especially by constipation or diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, and the passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

Examples of irritable bowel syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Related article Lower your risk of irritable bowel syndrome by adopting a healthy lifestyle, new study suggests Why focus on pelvic floor health Given the prevalence and impact of these issues, maintaining pelvic floor health is vital to a good quality of life. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 7 Aug. 2024

Young says that eating too many of them can lead to stomach discomfort such as bloating, diarrhea, cramps, gas, and even vomiting - especially for people with sensitive stomachs such as individuals with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 6 Aug. 2024

Where are the genes that lead to heart attacks, or irritable bowel syndrome? —Fyodor Urnov, TIME, 12 Aug. 2024

The result is a condition like irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia (a.k.a. indigestion), both of which can involve unpredictable spasms of your intestines, generating gas, bloating, and yes, airier poops, Dr. Schnoll-Sussbaum says. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 29 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is of unknown etiology but is often associated with abnormal intestinal motility and increased sensitivity to visceral pain and that is characterized by diarrhea or constipation or diarrhea alternating with constipation, abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating, and passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

called also irritable colon, irritable colon syndrome, mucous colitis, spastic colon