ileum

[ il-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural il·e·a [il, -ee-, uh].

1. Anatomy. the third and lowest division of the small intestine, extending from the jejunum to the cecum.
2. Zoology. the anterior portion of the hindgut of an insect or other arthropod.

ileum

/ ˈɪlɪəm /

noun

1. the part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the caecum
2. the corresponding part in insects

ileum

/ ĭl′ē-əm /

, Plural ilea

1. The lower part of the small intestine, connecting the jejunum to the cecum of the large intestine.

Other Words From

• ile·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ileum¹

1675–85; < New Latin, Medieval Latin īleum, variant of Latin īlia (neuter plural) side of the body between hips and groin, guts, apparently by confusion with Latin īleus ileus

Word History and Origins

Origin of ileum¹

C17: New Latin, from Latin īlium, īleum flank, groin, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The solitary glands are frequently enlarged and ulcerated, like those of the ileum.

From Project Gutenberg

In two instances he found a layer of diphtheritic deposit over the mucous membrane of the lower part of the ileum.

From Project Gutenberg

This arrangement prevents the passing of substances from the colon into the ileum.

From Project Gutenberg

The ileum terminates near the right haunch-bone, by a valvular opening into the colon at an obtuse angle.

From Project Gutenberg

The term ileum is from the Greek, signifying “to twist,” since it always appears in a contorted condition.

From Project Gutenberg