Definition

A medical condition where a person has black, sticky stools or vomit that contains digested blood, usually due to bleeding in the digestive system.

Example

The doctor diagnosed him with melena after he reported black stools.

Conversation

Hey, have you heard about that condition called melena?

Yeah, I read it's related to blood in the stool, right?

Exactly! It can be pretty serious if someone has melena.

For sure, they should see a doctor right away.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Melena** → The word 'melena' originates from the Greek word 'mēlan' (μέλαν), meaning black. It refers to the passage of black, tarry stools, which is a medical condition indicating bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for black ('mēlan') to remember that 'melena' describes a condition involving black stools.

Visually Confused Words