[ 'dɪs(ə)nt(ə)ri ]
■ noun infection of the intestines with bacteria or protozoans, resulting in severe diarrhoea with blood and mucus in the faeces.
Derivatives
dysenteric -'tɛrɪk adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. dissenterie , or via L. from Gk dusenteria , from dusenteros 'afflicted in the bowels'.