tenesmus

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: te=nes=mus

CIDE DICTIONARY

tenesmus, n. [NL., fr. Gr. , fr. to stretch: cf. L. tenesmos.].

 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.

OXFORD DICTIONARY

tenesmus, n. Med. a continual inclination to evacuate the bowels or bladder accompanied by painful straining.

Etymology

med.L f. Gk teinesmos straining f. teino stretch