enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈe-nə-mə 

plural enemas also enemata ˌe-nə-ˈmä-tə  ˈe-nə-mə-tə 

1

: the injection of liquid into the rectum and colon by way of the anus

2

: material for injection as an enema

Examples of enema in a Sentence

The nurse gave the patient an enema.

Recent Examples on the Web

Constipation treatment typically involves laxatives, stool softeners, water enemas, or bulking agents, like psyllium. —Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Oct. 2025

According to Castro, nuns, who were supposed to be professional virgins—no Duke of Monmouth for them—could try bloodletting or enemas for a cure. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 27 Sep. 2025

Courtesy of Centner Wellness She began by healing herself, becoming the patient zero of her own practice, experimenting with hyperbaric oxygen, red-light therapy, frequency beds, supplements, coffee enemas, and more. —Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

It can be used for moisturizing, cleansing, and soothing irritated skin and as a laxative in enemas or suppositories. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, from enienai to inject, from en- + hienai to send — more at jet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enema

• adenoma

Kids Definition

enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈen-ə-mə 

: the injection of liquid into the rectum by way of the anus usually to cause the intestines to empty

also : the material injected

Medical Definition

enema

noun

en·​e·​ma ˈen-ə-mə 

plural enemas also enemata ˌen-ə-ˈmät-ə  ˈen-ə-mə-tə 

1

: the injection of liquid into the rectum and colon by way of the anus (as for cleansing or examination)

2

: the liquid injected by an enema