CONTINENCE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does continence mean? 

• CONTINENCE (noun)
  The noun CONTINENCE has 2 senses:

1. the exercise of self constraint in sexual matters

2. voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge

  Familiarity information: CONTINENCE used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CONTINENCE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The exercise of self constraint in sexual matters

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

continence; continency

Hypernyms ("continence" is a kind of...):

self-denial; self-discipline (the trait of practicing self discipline)

Derivation:

continent (abstaining from sexual intercourse)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Hypernyms ("continence" is a kind of...):

control; restraint (discipline in personal and social activities)

Derivation:

continent (having control over urination and defecation)

 Context examples 

An elimination disorder characterized by urinary incontinence, whether involuntary or intentional, which is not due to a medical condition and which occurs at or beyond an age at which continence is expected (usually 5 years).

(Enuresis, NCI Thesaurus)