What is the medical term for the passage of a hard, dry stool?

The term "constipation" accurately describes the condition where there is difficulty in passing stool, often resulting in the passage of hard, dry stools. This condition is characterized by fewer than three bowel movements per week, along with discomfort during the passage of stool. Factors contributing to constipation include inadequate dietary fiber, insufficient fluid intake, and decreased physical activity.

In contrast, diarrhea refers to the passage of loose, watery stools, while flatulence pertains to the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can occur as a result of straining during bowel movements but do not define the nature of the stool itself. Hence, "constipation" is the most precise terminology for describing the passage of hard, dry stool.