enuresis
UK[ˌɛnjʊ(ə)ˈriːsɪs]US[ˌɛnjʊˈriːsɪs]
n
the involuntary or accidental discharge of urine, especially during sleep.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
uresis
en
in
uresis
urination
Etymology
The term 'enuresis' is a modern medical borrowing directly from New Latin, which itself was constructed from Greek components. It combines the prefix 'en-', meaning 'in', with the noun 'uresis', derived from the Greek verb 'ourein' (to urinate). Literally, it describes the condition of being 'in urination' or involuntary urination. This clinical term entered English in the 19th century to provide a precise, technical descriptor for what is commonly known as bedwetting, maintaining a direct semantic link to its Greek roots concerning the urinary function.
Analysis
Structure: en (in) + uresis (urination)
en- (prefix of Greek origin meaning 'in'); uresis (noun-forming element from Greek, meaning 'urination', from 'ourein' meaning 'to urinate').
Examples
Primary enuresis is a common condition in young children.
The doctor recommended a bedwetting alarm to help manage his nocturnal enuresis.
Treatment for enuresis may involve behavioral therapy or medication.