What does "ileus" mean?
Disruption of the normal propulsive ability of the gastrointestinal tract, due to failure of peristalsis.
Ileus
/ˈɪliəs/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Disruption of the normal propulsive ability of the gastrointestinal tract, due to failure of peristalsis.
- Grammar: ileus is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: intestinal obstruction, adynamic ileus, bowel obstruction, functional ileus.
- Useful contrasts: intact peristalsis, normal motility, unobstructed bowel.
- Usage evidence: 1796, Erasmus Darwin, Zoonomia, Volume II: Classes of Diseases, IV: Diseases of Association, Ordo III: Retrograde Associate Motions, Genus II: Catenated with sensitive motions, The perpetual vomiting in ileus is caused in like manner by the defective excitement of the sensorial power of association by the bowel, which is torpid during the intervals of pain; and the stomach sympathizes with it.
How to use "ileus"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ileus" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ileus" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ileus" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ileus" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ileus" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "intestinal obstruction" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Disruption of the normal propulsive ability of the gastrointestinal tract, due to failure of peristalsis.
- 2 blockage of the intestine (especially the ileum) that prevents the contents of the intestine from passing to the lower bowel wordnet
- 3 Disruption of the normal propulsive ability of the gastrointestinal tract from any cause. archaic
"1796, Erasmus Darwin, Zoonomia, Volume II: Classes of Diseases, IV: Diseases of Association, Ordo III: Retrograde Associate Motions, Genus II: Catenated with sensitive motions, The perpetual vomiting in ileus is caused in like manner by the defective excitement of the sensorial power of association by the bowel, which is torpid during the intervals of pain; and the stomach sympathizes with it."
Synonyms
All synonyms intestinal obstructionadynamic ileusbowel obstructionfunctional ileusintestinal stasis
Antonyms
intact peristalsisnormal motilityunobstructed bowel
Example
"1796, Erasmus Darwin, Zoonomia, Volume II: Classes of Diseases, IV: Diseases of Association, Ordo III: Retrograde Associate Motions, Genus II: Catenated with sensitive motions, The perpetual vomiting in ileus is caused in like manner by the defective excitement of the sensorial power of association by the bowel, which is torpid during the intervals of pain; and the stomach sympathizes with it."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ileus"?
Common synonyms include: intestinal obstruction, adynamic ileus, bowel obstruction, functional ileus, intestinal stasis.
How do you use "ileus" in a sentence?
1796, Erasmus Darwin, Zoonomia, Volume II: Classes of Diseases, IV: Diseases of Association, Ordo III: Retrograde Associate Motions, Genus II: Catenated with sensitive motions, The perpetual vomiting in ileus is caused in like manner by the defective excitement of the sensorial power of association by the bowel, which is torpid during the intervals of pain; and the stomach sympathizes with it.
How do you pronounce "ileus"?
Pronounced /ˈɪliəs/.
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin īleus, from Ancient Greek εἰλεός (eileós, “intestinal obstruction”).