Definition

Waste material that is removed from the body after food has been digested, especially solid waste.

Example

The farmer used the excrement from his animals to fertilize the fields.

Conversation

Did you see that dog in the park today?

Yeah, it was running around everywhere!

I just hope it doesn't leave any excrement on the grass.

Right? That would be such a mess for the park staff.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Excrement is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "crescere" (meaning to grow). The word refers to waste matter that has grown out of the body.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has 'grown out' ('crescere') of the body and is expelled ('ex-'). This helps you remember that excrement refers to bodily waste.

Visually Confused Words