fecal

adjective

fe·​cal ˈfē-kəl How to pronounce fecal (audio)
: of, relating to, or constituting feces

Examples of fecal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The animals underwent vaccinations, fecal testing and received flea prevention treatment as part of the intake process, according to Macomb County Animal Control staff. Eric Henderson, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 There was no plumbing backup, of course — there is no actual plumbing on the Orion spacecraft, as urine is vented out into space and fecal matter is collected for later disposal. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026 The toilet would still have been used for fecal collection. Denise Chow, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026 The legislation defines children’s diapers broadly, covering products designed for infants and toddlers that absorb or contain urine or fecal waste. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fecal

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin faecālis, from Latin faec-, faex "wine lees, tartar, dregs" (Medieval Latin also "excrement") + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fecal was in 1541

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fecal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fecal. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

fecal

adjective
fe·​cal
variants or chiefly British faecal
: of, relating to, or constituting feces
fecal incontinence
fecal matter
fecally adverb
or chiefly British faecally

More from Merriam-Webster on fecal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster