French word

dysenterie

Pronunciation

IPA/disɑ̃təʁi/

Meaning

  • feminine noundysentery

Example

Il a contracté la dysenterie pendant le voyage.

He contracted dysentery during the trip.

Illustration for dysenterie (dysentery)

More examples

La dysenterie nécessite souvent un traitement antibiotique.

Dysentery often requires antibiotic treatment.

Core concept

An infected intestine causing repeated loose stools, possible blood, and painful abdominal cramps.

Similar words

diarrhée: A condition involving frequent loose or watery stools.
gastro-entérite: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines causing diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
intoxication alimentaire: Sudden stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by contaminated food or drink.

Definition in French

Désigne une maladie intestinale infectieuse caractérisée par des selles fréquentes parfois sanglantes et des crampes abdominales.

Word origin

French dysenterie comes through Latin from Greek dysenteria, formed from dys- meaning bad or difficult and enteron meaning intestine.

Usage tips

  • Dysenterie is a specific medical term, not a general synonym for diarrhea; diarrhée covers loose stools more broadly.

Opposites

Related words

  • dysentériquedysentericadjective

Word lists with this word