Definition

A container used by people who are unable to get out of bed to collect urine or feces.

Example

The nurse brought a bedpan for the patient who couldn't get up.

Conversation

I visited my grandma in the hospital yesterday.

How is she doing?

She seemed a bit uncomfortable and mentioned needing a bedpan often.

That's tough, but at least they have what she needs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bedpan → The word is formed from "bed" (from Old English "bed", meaning a place for sleeping) and "pan" (from Old French "pan", meaning a shallow container). A bedpan is a shallow container used in bed for receiving waste, combining the concepts of a sleeping place and a container.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'bed' where someone lies down and a 'pan' that holds something — a bedpan is a container used in bed.

Visually Confused Words