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

Others may get intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea. — Alice Park, Time, 23 July 2026

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite people acquire by eating fresh produce grown or washed with water carrying human waste. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, are continuing to increase across the United States. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Know what investigators are saying​‌ Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. — Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intestinal

• intestinal fortitude

Rhymes for intestinal

• gastrointestinal

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