Vomit, the forceful expulsion of stomach contents, has several names. The formal medical term is emesis. However, colloquial terms like "throw up," "puke," and "being sick" are also commonly used. The appearance of vomit can also influence its description; for example, vomiting blood is termed haematemesis.
Different Names for Vomit:
- Emesis: The formal medical term for vomiting.
- Throw up: A common and widely understood informal term.
- Puke: A more informal and sometimes vulgar term.
- Being sick: A common term, particularly in British English.
- Haematemesis: Specifically refers to vomiting blood.
The choice of term often depends on context and personal preference. Medical professionals typically use "emesis," while everyday conversations often employ less formal vocabulary. The term "stomach flu" is sometimes used to describe vomiting caused by viral gastroenteritis, but it's important to remember this isn't a medically precise term. Severe vomiting during pregnancy may be called hyperemesis gravidarum, or severe morning sickness.
The references provided confirm the various terms used to describe vomit, highlighting both the formal medical terminology and the wide range of informal terms used in everyday language. For instance, Wikipedia redirects "Vomit," "Emesis," "Heaving," "Puke," and "Throw up" to its vomiting page, demonstrating the interchangeable nature of these terms. The Penn Medicine website uses "throwing up" as a synonym for vomiting, while the CDC mentions that norovirus can cause vomiting. Finally, the NHS website specifically mentions "haematemesis" for the vomiting of blood.
