continence

[ kon-tn-uh ns ]
/ ˈkɒn tn əns /

noun

self-restraint or abstinence, especially in regard to sexual activity; temperance; moderation.
Physiology. the ability to voluntarily control urinary and fecal discharge.
Also con·ti·nen·cy.

Origin of continence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word continentia. See continent, -ence

OTHER WORDS FROM continence

non·con·ti·nence, noun non·con·ti·nen·cy, noun un·con·ti·nence, noun

Example sentences from the Web for continence

Medical definitions for continence

continence
[ kŏntə-nəns ]

n.

Self-restraint; moderation.
Voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge.
Partial or complete abstention from sexual activity.

Other words from continence

conti•nent adj.