tenesmus

2 definitions found

tenesmus - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Tenesmus \Te*nes"mus\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to stretch: cf.
     L. tenesmos.] (Med.)
     An urgent and distressing sensation, as if a discharge from
     the intestines must take place, although none can be
     effected; -- always referred to the lower extremity of the
     rectum.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Vesical tenesmus, a similar sensation as to the evacuation
        of urine, referred to the region of the bladder.
        [1913 Webster]

tenesmus - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  tenesmus
      n 1: painful spasm of the anal sphincter along with an urgent
           desire to defecate without the significant production of
           feces; associated with irritable bowel syndrome