jejunum

American  

[ji-joo-nuhm] / dʒɪˈdʒu nəm /

noun

Anatomy.

1. the middle portion of the small intestine, between the duodenum and the ileum.

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jejunum British  

/ dʒɪˈdʒuːnəm /

noun

1. the part of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum

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jejunum Scientific  

/ jə-jo̅o̅′nəm /

plural

jejuna

1. The middle part of the small intestine, connecting the duodenum and the ileum.

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Other Word Forms

• jejunal adjective

Etymology

Origin of jejunum

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin jējūnum, noun use of neuter of jējūnus empty, poor, mean; so called because thought to be empty after death

Compare meaning

How does jejunum compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• jejunum vs. ileum

Example Sentences

The hormone-rich organ, connecting the stomach to another part of the intestine called the jejunum, has prompted the development of various procedures to bypass or intervene on the duodenum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2015

Although the entire small intestine is involved in the absorption of water and lipids, most absorption of carbohydrates and proteins occurs in the jejunum.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The jejunum and ileum are tethered to the posterior abdominal wall by the mesentery.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

In gastric bypass, a surgeon reroutes the digestive system so that the stomach empties directly into the middle of the small intestine, bypassing a section called the duodenum and jejunum.

From Reuters • May 7, 2013

The mucous membrane of the jejunum and of the upper part of the ileum is not usually much reddened, and may be even paler than in health.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various