feces /fē″sēz/ sing. faex [L, faex, waste matter] , waste or excrement from the digestive tract that is formed in the intestine and expelled through the rectum. Feces consist of water, food residue, bacteria, and secretions of the intestines and liver. Gross examination of feces for color, odor, quantity, and consistency and microscopic examination for the presence of blood, fat, mucus, or parasites are common diagnostic procedures. Also called stool. Also spelled faeces. See also defecation. −fecal, adj.
