Definition

Relating to or causing a condition where a person has frequent and watery bowel movements.

Example

The patient was treated for a diarrheal illness after traveling abroad.

Conversation

I heard that the new restaurant had some diarrheal food reviews.

Oh no, that doesn't sound good at all!

Yeah, I think I'll skip it just to be safe.

Good idea! Better to avoid anything that can upset your stomach.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Diarrheal is formed from "diarrhea" (from Greek "diarrhoia", meaning flowing through) and "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "diarrheal" refers to something that is related to or characterized by diarrhea, which is the condition of having frequent and watery bowel movements.

Memory Tip

Think of 'flowing through' ('diarrhea') to remember that 'diarrheal' means pertaining to that condition.

Visually Confused Words