small intestine

noun

, Anatomy.

1. intestine ( def 2 ).

small intestine

noun

1. the longest part of the alimentary canal, consisting of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, in which digestion is completed Compare large intestine

small intestine

1. The long, narrow, coiled section of the intestine that extends from the stomach to the beginning of the large intestine. Nutrients from food are absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine. In mammals, it is made up of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

small intestine

1. The upper portion of the intestines , extending from the stomach to the large intestine , where the digestion of food takes place. The small intestine is about twenty feet long in adults.

Word History and Origins

Origin of small intestine¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

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

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

Alcohol absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, with only about 20% being absorbed in the stomach.

From Salon

Research into GLP-1 weight loss drugs is still ongoing, but doctors do know that the medication slows the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine.

From Salon

But in 2022, Alberto became unwell and tests showed he had a rare cancerous tumour growing on his duodenum, which is at the top of the small intestine.

From BBC