douche (doosh). 1

The direction of a continuous column, stream, or jet of liquid or gas upon the surface of the body or into one of its cavities. 2. An apparatus for accomplishing such direction, alternating d. A d. in which a hot current and a cold one are applied alternately. anal d. A d. directed upon the anus. aural d. A d. adapted to the middle or the external ear. capillary d. See aqua puncture (2d def.). cephalic d. A d. adapted for application to the head. compre ed air d. A d. in which the water is projected with great force by means of compre ed air; used especially for needle-baths, intra-uterine d. A d. applied within the uterine cavity, lumbar d. A d. for the loins, nasal d. A d. for irrigating the nasal pa ages. perineal d. A d. for the perineum, delivering a simple jet or a shower, rectal d. A d. for applications within the rectum, either for irrigating that organ or for the high application of hot water in cases of chronic diarrhea or perimetric or parametric inflammation. Scotch d., Scottish d. A d. consisting in the application of succe ive hot d's of varying duration, immediately followed by a cold d. of short duration, steam d. A vapor d. in which steam is employed, uterine d. See intrauterine d. vaginal d. A d. for application within the vagina. vapor d. A d. in which vapor is substituted for water. [Fr.]