Word
bowel movement
Countable noun
Definition
n. the process of passing solid waste out of your body. Doctors use this term as a polite way to talk about going to the toilet.
n. an act of defecation; the evacuation of faeces from the intestinal tract. Frequently used in medical or formal contexts as a euphemism for the basic physiological process.
Examples
“The doctor asked if he had a regular bowel movement every day.”
“After the surgery, the nursing staff monitored the patient closely until they confirmed a normal bowel movement had occurred.”
“Chronic changes in the frequency or consistency of a bowel movement can serve as early clinical indicators of gastrointestinal distress or underlying systemic issues.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor asked if he had a regular bowel movement every day.”
contextual
“After the surgery, the nursing staff monitored the patient closely until they confirmed a normal bowel movement had occurred.”
complex
“Chronic changes in the frequency or consistency of a bowel movement can serve as early clinical indicators of gastrointestinal distress or underlying systemic issues.”
Usage
Commonly abbreviated to 'BM' in clinical notes and medical records.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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