intestine

[ in-tes-tin ]

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.

adjective

1. internal; domestic; civil:

   intestine strife.

intestine

/ ɪnˈtɛstɪn; ˌɪntɛsˈtaɪnəl; ɪnˈtɛstɪnəl /

noun

1. usually plural the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus See large intestine small intestine alvine

intestine

/ 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

Derived Forms

• inˈtestinally, adverb
• intestinal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intestine¹

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; vespertine

Word History and Origins

Origin of intestine¹

C16: from Latin intestīnum gut, from intestīnus internal, from intus within

Example Sentences

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum, both of which are part of the large intestine, and can also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it originated.

From Los Angeles Times

Finally, it may make us feel fuller for longer by slowing down how quickly the food is released from our stomach into the small intestine.

From Salon

Jason Palmer quickly learned the French bulldog he bought in 2012 from “Jessica” in a CVS parking lot in Corona had parasites and a piece of plastic obstructing his intestine.

From Los Angeles Times

Another effect of not chewing enough – thus not allowing oral enzymes to do their work – is the absorption of food in the small intestine.

From Salon

Despite the stomach's best efforts, unchewed food may reach the intestine without being sufficiently digested.

From Salon

Related Words

• entrails