Flatulence

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈflætʃəlÉ™n(t)s/
• Hyphenation: flat + u + lence
• Rhymes: -ætʃəlÉ™ns

Origin

From French flatulence, ultimately from Latin flō ("breathe, blow").

Full definition of flatulence

Noun

1. The state of having gas, often malodorous, trapped (and often released, frequently with noise) in the digestive system of a human and some other animals; wind; and when released, a flatus, a fart.
2. The release of such gas, farting.

Coordinate terms

• queef

Usage notes

A formal Latinate term, used in medical and scientific discourse, but also euphemistically to avoid crude terms such as fart. Compare excrement.

Related terms

• afflatus