intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈte-stə-nᵊl 

-ˈtes(t)-nəl,

-ˈte-sᵊn-əl,

 British often  ˌin-(ˌ)te-ˈstī-nᵊl

1

: affecting, occurring, or living in the intestine

2

: of, relating to, or being the intestine

intestinally adverb

Examples of intestinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their body triggers an immune response which can lead to intestinal damage and cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss and vomiting. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024

Watermelon can be eaten after the rind and seeds, which can cause intestinal issues, are removed. —Abigail Beck, The Arizona Republic, 1 May 2024

Ghee supposedly acts as a scavenger, drawing out toxic waste matter (known as ama) and pushing it into the intestinal tract for elimination. —Jane Alexander, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Feb. 2024

Cholera is a generally non-fatal intestinal infection that can cause severe dehydration. —Matthew Cupelli, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intestinal

• intestinal fortitude

Kids Definition

intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl 

1

: of or relating to the intestine

2

: affecting or occurring in the intestine

intestinally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal

in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl, -ˈtes(t)-nəl, -ˈtes-ᵊn-əl, British often ˌin-(ˌ)tes-ˈtīn-ᵊl

1

a

: affecting or occurring in the intestine

intestinal digestion

intestinal catarrh

b

: living in the intestine

the intestinal flora

an intestinal worm

2

: of, relating to, or being the intestine

the intestinal canal

intestinally

-ē 

adverb