What is the medical term for vomiting?

The medical term for vomiting is "emesis." This term is derived from the Greek word "emein," which means "to vomit." In a clinical context, emesis refers specifically to the act of expelling the contents of the stomach through the mouth, which can occur as a result of various factors including illness, medication side effects, or bodily reactions to certain stimuli.

"Nausea," while related, refers to the sensation of feeling the urge to vomit without necessarily resulting in the expulsion of stomach contents. "Diarrhea" pertains to the frequent passage of loose or watery stools, which is a different gastrointestinal issue. "Reflux," or gastroesophageal reflux, describes the condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, often leading to a feeling of heartburn or indigestion but does not mean vomiting itself. Understanding these distinctions is essential in the field of personal care and medical terminology.