enteric

American  

[en-ter-ik] / ɛnˈtɛr ɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the enteron; intestinal.

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noun

1. Bacteriology. enterics, enterobacteria.

enteric British  

/ ˈɛntərəl, ɛnˈtɛrɪk /

adjective

1. intestinal

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• enterally adverb
• nonenteric adjective

Etymology

Origin of enteric

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

Example Sentences

But the enteric nervous system, which governs gut motility through a dense network of neurons that neuroscientists sometimes call the “second brain,” is not built to sustain that kind of chronic, pharmacological override.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

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 • Apr. 11, 2024

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

From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2024

I will never let him use enteric aspirin again.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2023

We had lobar pneumonia, meningococcal meningitis, streptococcal infections, diphtheria, endocarditis, enteric fevers, various septicemias, syphilis, and, always, everywhere, tuberculosis.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas