gastrointestinal

adjective

gas·​tro·​in·​tes·​ti·​nal ˌga-strō-in-ˈte-stə-nᵊl 

-ˈtes(t)-nəl

: of, relating to, affecting, or including both stomach and intestine

Examples of gastrointestinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This summer’s cyclospora outbreak has triggered worries about contracting a nasty foodborne gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite. — Gina Vivinetto, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026

Magnesium oxide and citrate cause more gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, but for people with constipation, that is certainly worth trying. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2026

Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection that causes gastrointestinal symptoms often associated with food poisoning, such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Physical withdrawal symptoms can include muscle aches and spasms, gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, sweating and fever. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gastrointestinal

• gastrointestinal tract

Rhymes for gastrointestinal

• intestinal

Kids Definition

gastrointestinal

adjective

gas·​tro·​in·​tes·​ti·​nal ˌgas-trō-in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or including both stomach and intestine

Medical Definition

gastrointestinal

adjective

gas·​tro·​in·​tes·​ti·​nal ˌgas-trō-in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl, -ˈtes(t)-nəl 

: of, relating to, or affecting both stomach and intestine

gastrointestinal distress