ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fecal

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈfikəɫ// fe·cal

adj. relating to solid waste that leaves the body after food is digested. It is a medical or scientific word for things connected to poop.

adj. relating to, consisting of, or contained in feces. Typically used in medical, biological, or forensic contexts to describe waste matter or contamination.


SIMPLE

The doctor requested a fecal sample for the lab test.

CONTEXTUAL

The city issued a warning after high levels of fecal bacteria were discovered in the local river after the storm.

COMPLEX

Environmental scientists use fecal markers to track the migration patterns of elusive mammals without needing to capture or disturb the animals in their natural habitat.

Origin

From Middle French fecal, from Latin faex, equivalent to feces + -al.

Usage

Typically used in technical or clinical contexts; precedes the noun it modifies.

Pitfall

the fecal of the animalthe feces of the animalFecal is an adjective and must modify a noun; the noun form for the waste itself is feces.

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