ileum

[ il-ee-uh m ]
/ ˈɪl i əm /

noun, plural il·e·a [il-ee-uh] /ˈɪl i ə/.

Anatomy. the third and lowest division of the small intestine, extending from the jejunum to the cecum.
Zoology. the anterior portion of the hindgut of an insect or other arthropod.

Origin of ileum

1675–85; < New Latin, Medieval Latin īleum, variant of Latin īlia (neuter plural) side of the body between hips and groin, guts, apparently by confusion with Latin īleus ileus

OTHER WORDS FROM ileum

il·e·al, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH ileum

ileum ilium Ilium

Example sentences from the Web for ileum

British Dictionary definitions for ileum

ileum
/ (ˈɪlɪəm) /

noun

the part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the caecum
the corresponding part in insects

Word Origin for ileum

C17: New Latin, from Latin īlium, īleum flank, groin, of obscure origin

Medical definitions for ileum

ileum
[ ĭlē-əm ]

n. pl. il•e•a (-ē-ə)

The third and terminal portion of the small intestine, extending from the jejunum to the cecum.

Scientific definitions for ileum

ileum
[ ĭlē-əm ]

Plural ilea

The lower part of the small intestine, connecting the jejunum to the cecum of the large intestine.

Other words from ileum

ileal adjective