What does hyperemesis mean?
Hyperemesis is a medical term for excessive or prolonged vomiting. Unlike an ordinary episode of nausea and vomiting, hyperemesis involves repeated bouts that may prevent a person from retaining food or fluids and can interfere with eating, work, daily activities, or other aspects of life. The best-known use of the term is in “hyperemesis gravidarum,” a severe form of pregnancy-related vomiting sometimes informally called morning sickness, though the two conditions differ greatly in intensity. The word is most often encountered in medical reports, research, and discussions of pregnancy complications. It is appropriately neutral and authoritative, but because it denotes a clinically significant condition, it should not be used loosely as a substitute for saying that someone has vomited. Understanding the distinction helps convey both the severity and possible medical importance of the symptoms.
nounExcessive or prolonged vomiting, especially when occurring repeatedly or to a degree that disrupts normal eating, hydration, or other activities.
- Excessive or prolonged vomiting, especially when repeated to a degree that causes significant physical or practical disruption.
"Her severe hyperemesis made it difficult to keep down food or fluids."
"The patient was admitted after several days of severe hyperemesis and dehydration."
"Pregnancy-related hyperemesis can be so intense that a person requires specialist medical care."
The plural is used when referring to separate cases or instances of the condition.
"Several cases of hyperemeses were reported during the outbreak."
The word that names extreme vomiting also became a specific term for one of pregnancy’s most debilitating complications: hyperemesis gravidarum.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hyperemesis come from?
Hyperemesis combines the Greek prefix hyper-, meaning “over” or “excessive,” with emesis, from Greek emein, “to vomit.” The prefix intensifies the basic meaning of emesis, producing a term for vomiting that is excessive or persistent. Its components and cognates also appear in words such as emetic and emetogenic.
How hyperemesis is actually used
This is a medical term and is chiefly used in clinical contexts. The established phrase “hyperemesis gravidarum” refers specifically to severe, persistent vomiting during pregnancy.
Easily confused with hyperemesis
Emesis means vomiting in general, whereas hyperemesis denotes excessive or prolonged vomiting.