intestine

1 of 2

noun

in·​tes·​tine in-ˈte-stən 

: the tubular part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus compare large intestine, small intestine

Illustration of intestine

• A large intestine
• B small intestine

intestine

2 of 2

adjective

: internal

specifically : of or relating to the internal affairs of a state or country

intestine war

Did you know?

We bet you thought intestine was a noun referring to a part of the digestive system! It is, of course, but naming that internal body part isn't the word's only function. Both the noun and the adjective intestine have been a part of English since the 15th century, and both trace to the Latin adjective intestinus, meaning "internal," and ultimately to intus, meaning "within." Though the adjective intestine turns up much less frequently than does its anatomical cousin, it does see occasional use, especially as a synonym for civil and domestic (in contrast to foreign) applied to wars and disturbances.

Examples of intestine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that impacts the gastrointestinal system with inflammation of the colon and intestines. —Toby Amidor, Rd, Health, 14 Apr. 2024

Our magnesium intake decreases because our ability to absorb it in our intestines also decreases. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024

But in Dorothy’s case, she was born with her fallopian tubes, kidneys, stomach, liver, ovaries, and intestines, on the outside of her stomach. —Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024

This helps trigger gut motility, or movement of your intestines, which is essential for properly breaking down food. —Lizzy Briskin, SELF, 29 Mar. 2024

The exception: Late in pregnancy, your baby may push on your stomach and intestines, causing nausea. —Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 28 Feb. 2024

Its gentle laxative effect draws water into the intestines to soften stool and promote bowel movements.14 Mary Ruth’s products are third-party tested for accurate ingredient amounts, microbial contaminants, and heavy metals, and this product is a Clean Label Project Award Winner. —Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 31 Mar. 2024

One possible explanation, Gleeson said, was that the modification occurred inside the gut, IgA then exits the intestines, and enters the bloodstream. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 27 Mar. 2024

Have a bowel obstruction (blockage in the intestine) or fecal impaction (stool that is hardened and stuck): These circumstances require immediate medical attention. —Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French intestin, from Latin intestinum, from neuter of intestinus

Adjective

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French intestin, from Latin intestinus, from intus within — more at ent-

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing intestine

• large intestine
• small intestine

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Kids Definition

intestine

noun

in·​tes·​tine

in-ˈtes-tən

: the part of the alimentary canal that is a long tube composed of the small intestine and the large intestine, that extends from the stomach to the anus, that helps to digest food and absorb nutrients and water, and that carries waste matter to be discharged

Medical Definition

intestine

noun

in·​tes·​tine in-ˈtes-tən 

: the tubular portion of the digestive tract that lies posterior to the stomach from which it is separated by the pyloric sphincter and consists of a slender but long anterior part made up of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum which function in digestion and assimilation of nutrients and a broader shorter posterior part made up of the cecum, colon, and rectum which function in resorption of water from the by-products of digestion and formation of the feces

—often used in plural

the movement of digested food through your intestines

—Mayo Clinic Health Letter

see large intestine, small intestine