Disease or Syndrome
incontinence Audio
in·con·ti·nence [ in-kon-tih-nents ]
Etymology:
Latin in = not + continere = to contain
Hence the state of inability to restrain urination, defecation, or desire.
Definitions related to incontinence:
  • Inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or the escape of stool from the rectum (fecal incontinence).
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Involuntary passage of feces and/or urine from the body.
    U.S. FDA Glossary
    U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2021
  • Involuntary passage of stool or urine from the body.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Involuntary passing of urine or feces.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • Incontinence, inability to control the excretion of urine or feces. Starting and stopping urination relies on normal function in pelvic and abdominal muscles, diaphragm, and control nerves. Babies' nervous systems are too immature for urinary control. Later incontinence may reflect disorders (e.g....
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.