jejun-

1. variant of jejuno- before a vowel:

   jejunectomy.

Words That Use Jejun-

What does jejun- mean?

Jejun- is a combining form used like a prefix representing the jejunum, the middle portion of the small intestine. It is used in medical terms, especially in anatomy and surgery.

Jejun- comes from the Latin jējūnus, meaning “fasting, empty of food,” as the jejunum was thought to be empty after death. And, incredibly and perhaps ironically, the word dinner and dine also ultimately derive from the Latin jējūnus, as does the adjective jejune, meaning “dull or immature.”

Jejun- is a variant of jejuno-, which loses its -o– when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels.

Want to know more? Read our Words That Use jejuno- article.

Examples of jejun-

One example of a medical term that features the combining form jejun- is jejunectomy, “excision of part or all of the jejunum.”

The first part of the word, jejun-, represents the jejunum, as we now know. The second part of the word, -ectomy, means “excision, removal.” Jejunectomy literally translates to “jejunum removal.”

What are some words that use the combining form jejun-?

• jejunal
• jejunitis

Break it down!

The suffix -itis denotes the inflammation of an organ. With this in mind, what does the medical condition of jejunitis involve?