enteric

[en-ter-ik]

adjective

1. of or relating to the enteron; intestinal.

noun

1. Bacteriology.,  enterics, enterobacteria.

enteric

/ ˈɛntərəl, ɛnˈtɛrɪk /

adjective

1. intestinal

Other Word Forms

• nonenteric adjective
• enterally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of enteric¹

From the Greek word enterikós, dating back to 1865–70. See enter-, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of enteric¹

C19: from Greek enterikos, from enteron intestine

Example Sentences

This source of methane is technically known as enteric fermentation.

From Salon

"We found that the opioid signaling pathway is required for the developmental formation of nerves in the gut, an understudied part of the body called the enteric nervous system," Uribe said.

From Science Daily

Research suggests that apple cider vinegar delays stomach emptying so perhaps increased time in contact with stomach acid might account for the claimed protective effect against enteric infections.

From Salon

For example, in 2021, deaths from enteric diseases were largely concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

From Science Daily

They also did a computer study to learn more about how the antibacterial peptides kill Salmonella Typhi and other enteric pathogens.

From Science Daily

When To Use

What does enteric mean?

Enteric is a medical term that means within, by way of, or related to the intestines.A much more common word for this is intestinal. A close synonym is enteral.Enteric-coated pills are those that have a coating that’s designed not to wear away until after the pill passes through the stomach and reaches the small intestine, where it will then release the medicine.The names of some medical conditions include the term enteric. Enteric fever is another name for typhoid fever (which involves intestinal inflammation and ulceration).The plural noun enterics refers to bacteria that live in the intestines, also called enterobacteria.The related word enteron is a technical name for the digestive tract or the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the intestines.Example: The enteric nervous system controls the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.