defecate

Everyday

(formal, medical) To pass solid waste (poo) out of the body through the bottom. tree →

In the lessons

A formal and science word used in biology lessons, health leaflets and by doctors; in everyday talk children say «go for a poo» or «go to the toilet». In science lessons it is one of the life processes (excretion and getting rid of waste). Signs in parks may say «do not allow your dog to defecate here».

Examples

• The nurse asked if he had been able to defecate. tree →
• (formal) Dogs must not be allowed to defecate on the playing field. tree →
• Animals defecate to get rid of the waste from their food. tree →
• In biology we learned that birds defecate and urinate through the same opening. tree →
• (formal) Patients should report any pain when they defecate. tree →

Note

Very formal or medical; everyday words are «poo» (UK, Aus), «poop» (US) and «go to the toilet/bathroom». Rude words also exist but are not polite in class. Noun: «defecation». Spelled de-fe-cate (one f, one c).