meteorism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “meteorism” mean?
Abdominal distension caused by an accumulation of gas in the intestines or peritoneal cavity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Abdominal distension caused by an accumulation of gas in the intestines or peritoneal cavity.
A medical term for excessive flatulence and bloating, often used in clinical contexts to describe tympanites.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage between British and American English; both use it in medical contexts.
Connotations
Clinical, formal, and precise.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of medical literature and clinical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “meteorism” in a Sentence
suffer from meteorismpresent with meteorismcomplain of meteorismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meteorism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- meteoristic
American English
- meteoristic
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in medical and biological research papers discussing gastrointestinal disorders.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Common in medical diagnoses, clinical notes, and gastroenterology texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meteorism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meteorism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meteorism”
- Using it in non-medical contexts
- Misspelling as 'meteoritis' or 'meteorism' with an extra 'e'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized medical term rarely used outside clinical or academic settings.
It would sound overly technical and confusing; 'bloating' or 'gas' are much more appropriate.
Flatulence refers specifically to the passage of gas, while meteorism refers to the accumulation and resulting distension.
Yes, treatment depends on the underlying cause and can include dietary changes, medications, or treating the primary condition.
Abdominal distension caused by an accumulation of gas in the intestines or peritoneal cavity.
Meteorism is usually technical/medical in register.
Meteorism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːtɪərɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmiːtiəˌrɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a METEOR expanding in the sky just like your abdomen expands with gas.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY AS A CONTAINER UNDER PRESSURE
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'meteorism' most appropriately be used?