\Te*nes"mus\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to stretch: cf.
L. tenesmos.] (Med.)
An urgent and distressing sensation, as if a discharge from
the intestines must take place, although none can be
effected; -- always referred to the lower extremity of the
rectum.
{Vesical tenesmus}, a similar sensation as to the evacuation
   of urine, referred to the region of the bladder.