English Reference
Noun

bowel movement

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate

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.


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.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated