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.
Roaches, fecal matter and dirty floors were found at Fort Worth food establishments during June 28-July 4 health inspections, and one restaurant was closed, according to data from the city compiled by the Star-Telegram. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026 How to avoid catching a diarrhea-causing parasite Cyclosporiasis is transmitted via a fecal-oral route, meaning contact with foods, drinks and surfaces contaminated with infected poop particles. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 July 2026 Cattle showed up in 55% of fecal samples in 2023, and accounted for 50% of their diet. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 Towns and cities along the shoreline frequently collect samples throughout the swimming season under wet and dry conditions and analyze them for levels of fecal bacteria, according to health department officials. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 8 July 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

Rhymes for fecal

See All Rhymes for fecal

Browse Nearby Words

fec
fecal
feces
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Cite this Entry

“Fecal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fecal. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

fecal

adjective
fe·​cal
variants or chiefly British faecal
ˈfē-kəl How to pronounce fecal (audio)
: of, relating to, or constituting feces
fecal incontinence
fecal matter
fecally adverb
or chiefly British faecally
-kə-lē How to pronounce fecal (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on fecal

Nglish: Translation of fecal for Spanish Speakers

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