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Synonyms

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.

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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

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; vespertine

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

The trial, led by Ghosh, began in November, and uses electrodes to detect activity of the small intestine.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

This gel-like substance forms a protective coating along the walls of the large intestine and is also mixed within stool.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

Fermentable fibres in foods like oats and legumes help the good bacteria in our large intestine grow, enriching our gut microbiome.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

I could see all its organs: the bluish intestine and the spongy pink pair of lungs.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.