movement of the bowels

1 definition found

movement of the bowels - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Movement \Move"ment\, n. [F. mouvement. See Move, and cf.
     Moment.]
     1. The act of moving in space; change of place or posture;
        motion; as, the movement of an army in marching or
        maneuvering; the movement of a wheel or a machine.
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     2. Manner or style of moving; as, a slow, or quick, or
        sudden, movement.
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     3. Transference, by any means, from one situation to another;
        a change of situation; progress toward a goal;
        advancement; as, after months of fruitless discussion
        there was finally some movement toward an agreement.
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     4. Motion of the mind or feelings; emotion.
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     5. (Mus.)
        (a) The rhythmical progression, pace, and tempo of a
            piece. "Any change of time is a change of movement."
            --Busby.
        (b) One of the several strains or pieces, each complete in
            itself, with its own time and rhythm, which make up a
            larger work; as, the several movements of a suite or a
            symphony.
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     6. (Mech.) A system of mechanism for transmitting motion of a
        definite character, or for transforming motion; as, the
        wheelwork of a watch; as, a seventeen jewel movement.
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     7. A more or less organized effort by many people to achieve
        some goal, especially a social or artistic goal; as, the
        women's liberation movement; the progressive movement in
        architecture.
        [PJC]
  
     Febrile movement (Med.), an elevation of the body
        temperature; a fever.
  
     Movement cure. (Med.) See Kinesiatrics.
  
     Movement of the bowels, an evacuation or stool; a passage
        or discharge.
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     Syn: Motion.
  
     Usage: Movement, Motion. Motion expresses a general idea
            of not being at rest; movement is oftener used to
            express a definite, regulated motion, esp. a progress.
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