Main Entry: il·e·um

Pronunciation: \ˈil-ē-əm\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural il·ea \-ē-ə\

: the last division of the small intestine that constitutes the part between the jejunum and large intestine and in humans forms the last three fifths of the part of the small intestine beyond the end of the duodenum and that is smaller and thinner-walled than the jejunum with fewer circular folds but more numerous Peyer's patches

[ileum illustration]