incontinence
NounUS[in-kon-tuh-nuhns]/ˌɪnˈkɑntənəns/4 syllables
Open English WordNet
Noun (2)
- involuntary urination or defecationSynonyms: incontinencyType of elimination, evacuationKinds enuresis, urinary incontinence
- indiscipline with regard to sensuous pleasuresSynonyms: dissolutenessself-gratificationType of indiscipline, undisciplineKinds rakishness
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onerousadjective
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
In·con′ti·nence, In·con′ti·nen·cy noun
Origin: L. incontinentia: cf. F. incontinence.
1. Incapacity to hold; hence, incapacity to hold back or restrain; the quality or state of being incontinent; lack of continence; failure to restrain the passions or appetites; indulgence of lust; lewdness.
That Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.— 1 Cor. vii. 5.
From the rash hand of bold incontinence.— John Milton
2. Medicine The inability of any of the animal organs to restrain the natural evacuations, especially urination, or defecation, so that the discharges are involuntary; as, incontinence of urine.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54