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incontinence

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in⋅con⋅ti⋅nent

[in-kon-tn-uhnt]
–adjective
1. unable to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces.
2. unable to contain or retain (usually fol. by of): incontinent of temper.
3. lacking in moderation or self-control, esp. of sexual desire.
4. unceasing or unrestrained: an incontinent flow of talk.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME < L incontinent- (s. of incontinēns). See in- 3 , continent (adj.)


in⋅con⋅ti⋅nence, in⋅con⋅ti⋅nen⋅cy, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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in·con·ti·nence   (ĭn-kŏn'tə-nəns)   
n.  The quality or state of being incontinent.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

incontinent 
c.1380, "wanting in self restraint," from O.Fr. incontinent, from L. incontinentem, from in- "not" + continent (see continent). Originally chiefly of sexual appetites; sense of "unable to control bowels or bladder" first attested 1828.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: in·con·ti·nence
Pronunciation: (')in-'känt-&n-&n(t)s
Function: noun
1 : inability or failureto restrain sexual appetite
2 : inability of the body to control the evacuative functions

Main Entry: in·con·ti·nent
Pronunciation: (')in-'känt-&n-&nt
Function: adjective
: not continent;especially : unable to retain a bodily discharge (as urine) voluntarily
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

incontinence in·con·ti·nence (ĭn-kŏn'tə-nəns)
n.

  1. The inability to control excretory functions.

  2. Lack of restraint in sexual relations; immoderation.

incontinent in·con·ti·nent (ĭn-kŏn'tə-nənt)
adj.

  1. Lacking normal voluntary control of excretory functions.

  2. Lacking sexual restraint; unchaste.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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