intestine

[ in-tes-tin ]
/ ɪnˈtɛs tɪn /

noun

Usually intestines. the lower part of the alimentary canal, extending from the pylorus to the anus.
Also called small intestine. the narrow, longer part of the intestines, comprising the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, that serves to digest and absorb nutrients.
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

internal; domestic; civil: intestine strife.

Origin of intestine

1525–35; < Latin intestīnum, noun use of neuter of intestīnus internal, equivalent to intes- (variant of intus inside) + -tīnus adj. suffix; cf. vespertine

Example sentences from the Web for intestine

British Dictionary definitions for intestine

intestine
/ (ɪnˈtɛstɪn) /

noun

(usually plural) the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus See large intestine, small intestine Related adjective: alvine

Derived forms of intestine

intestinal (ɪnˈtɛstɪnəl, ˌɪntɛsˈtaɪnəl), adjective intestinally, adverb

Word Origin for intestine

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

Medical definitions for intestine

intestine
[ ĭn-tĕstĭn ]

n.

The portion of the alimentary canal extending from the stomach to the anus and, in humans and other mammals, consisting of two segments, the small intestine and the large intestine. Often used in the plural.

Scientific definitions for intestine

intestine
[ ĭn-tĕstĭn ]

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. See also large intestine small intestine.