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; cf. vespertine

Explanation

When you eat food, it first passes into your stomach, and then into your intestine. Fun fact: your large intestine is about five feet long. Makes you wonder why they don't call it your "long intestine" instead. The human intestine is split into two sections: the small intestine and the large intestine. Your intestine's job is to continue breaking down the food you've eaten and absorb nutrients into your bloodstream. Intestine comes from the Latin word intestinum, "gut" or "bowels," which is the neuter form of the adjective intestinus, "inward" or "internal."

Example Sentences

In a new study, scientists found that cysteine can activate an immune response that boosts intestinal stem cells and helps regenerate tissue in the small intestine.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

Now, researchers have developed a new stem cell-based model of the human intestine that could help scientists discover more effective therapies.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

Their approach uses a cyclic peptide that can pass through the small intestine, known as the DNP peptide.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

By the time she was diagnosed, she had reached stage 4, with deep infiltrating endometriosis spread across her ligaments, intestine, pelvis, ovaries and uterus.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The tumor in the small intestine is harder to measure.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

Related Words

• entrails