dysentery

noun

Definition of dysenterynext
as in shigellosis
medical a serious disease that causes very frequent evacuation of fluid stools and a loss of blood

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dysentery Olena worried that there might be an outbreak of dysentery. — James Verini, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026 These conditions fostered infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, smallpox and dysentery. — Anita Moncrease, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2026 His digestive system was wrecked by recurring dysentery and colic, and the calomel prescribed by his doctors only made things worse. — Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026 Raymond Kinzounza, weak with dysentery, went to a makeshift hospital. — Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dysentery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dysentery
  1. shigellosis
  2. diarrhea
Noun
  • Ebola is tricky to clinically diagnose because symptoms at early stage of the disease are similar to other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, shigellosis, meningitis and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 May 2026
  • Symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged and persist for more than 3 days, high fever, stomach pain, and feeling the need to pass a stool even when the bowels are empty, according to doctors.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Definition of shigellosis
Noun
  • Salmonella is a foodborne illness that can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, per the CDC.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Domoic acid can accumulate in shellfish and cause nausea, diarrhea and illness in humans when consumed at low levels.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of diarrhea

Browse Nearby Words

dynasty
dysentery
dysfunction
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Cite this Entry

“Dysentery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dysentery. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dysentery

Nglish: Translation of dysentery for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dysentery

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