congenital megacolon

8.4

A condition at birth where part of the large intestine lacks nerves and grows too large to move stool

noun
/kənˈdʒɛnɪtəl ˈmɛɡəˌkoʊlɒn/

Specialized

: megacolon congénito

The newborn was diagnosed with congenital megacolon after showing signs of severe constipation.

Examples

Surgery is often required to treat congenital megacolon and restore normal bowel function.
Early intervention is crucial for children affected by congenital megacolon.
The doctor diagnosed her with congenital megacolon after several tests.
Many children with congenital megacolon require surgery.
Early intervention is crucial for children affected by congenital megacolon.
The newborn was diagnosed with congenital megacolon after showing signs of severe constipation.
Surgery is often required to treat congenital megacolon and restore normal bowel function.

Synonyms

congenital defect

vscongenital megacolon

Specialized

3 4.2

A problem in the body or how it works that is present at birth

is specifically about nerve loss that leads to stool problems and enlargement

congenital abnormality

vscongenital megacolon

Specialized

1 5.4

A health problem in the body or the way it works that is present when a baby is born

is a specific nerve-related defect causing poor bowel movement and enlargement

congenital anomaly

vscongenital megacolon

Specialized

1 6.0

A body or organ problem present when a baby is born

is the specific nerve-related cause leading to poor emptying and bowel enlargement

congenital disorder

vscongenital megacolon

Specialized

1 4.9

A health problem a person has at birth, often from parents' genes or events before birth

is a particular nerve absence in the large bowel causing blockage and enlargement

Hirschsprung's disease

vscongenital megacolon

Specialized

7.0

A condition present at birth where part of the colon lacks nerve cells, causing trouble passing stool and bowel swelling

is the same specific nerve absence causing trouble passing stool and enlargement

Surface Forms

congenital megacolon singular

congenital megacolons plural

Morphology

congenital + megacolon

Both parts are semantically compositional: 'congenital' means present at birth and 'megacolon' denotes an abnormally enlarged colon (mega- = large + colon). The combined meaning — an abnormally enlarged colon present from birth — is directly derivable from the constituents, making the phrase transparent.

Etymology

Congenital megacolon combines congenital ('present at birth') with megacolon, from mega ('large') and colon ('intestine'). Picture a baby born with a very large intestine that cannot move waste well because some nerves are missing, and the name describes that birth condition.