intestine

American  

[in-tes-tin] / ɪnˈtɛs tɪn /

noun

1. Usually intestines. the lower part of the alimentary canal, extending from the pylorus to the anus.

2. Also called small intestine.  the narrow, longer part of the intestines, comprising the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, that serves to digest and absorb nutrients.

3. Also called large intestine.  the broad, shorter part of the intestines, comprising the cecum, colon, and rectum, that absorbs water from and eliminates the residues of digestion.

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adjective

1. internal; domestic; civil.

   intestine strife.

intestine British  

/ ɪnˈtɛstɪn, ˌɪntɛsˈtaɪnəl, ɪnˈtɛstɪnəl /

noun

1. (usually plural) the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus See large intestine small intestine

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intestine Scientific  

/ ĭn-tĕs′tĭn /

1. The muscular tube that forms the part of the digestive tract extending from the stomach to the anus and consisting of the small and large intestines. In the intestine, nutrients and water from digested food are absorbed and waste products are solidified into feces.

2. See also large intestine small intestine

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Other Word Forms

• intestinal adjective
• intestinally adverb

Etymology

Origin of intestine

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin intestīnum, noun use of neuter of intestīnus “internal,” equivalent to intes- (variant of intus “inside”) + -tīnus adjective suffix; vespertine

Example Sentences

This naturally occurring hormone, produced by endocrine cells in the intestines, suppresses appetite and slows stomach emptying.

From The Wall Street Journal

It relies on an endoscope, a camera-tipped flexible device that is carefully guided through the large intestine.

From Science Daily

Toxoplasma’s life cycle involves both an asexual phase—comprising the stages that cause disease—and a sexual phase, in feline intestines.

From Science Magazine

Part of his small intestine was outside of his belly.

From New York Times

In 2021, the pope had roughly 13 inches of his large intestine removed because of what the Vatican said was inflammation that caused a narrowing of his colon.

From New York Times

Related Words

• entrails