jejunum

noun

je·​ju·​num ji-ˈjü-nəm 

plural jejuna ji-ˈjü-nə 

: the section of the small intestine that comprises the first two fifths beyond the duodenum and that is larger, thicker-walled, and more vascular and has more circular folds than the ileum

Examples of jejunum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The duodenum and the ileum are connected together, bypassing the jejunum. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 5 July 2024

The diameters of the jejunum and ileum remained stable, maintaining a favorable jejunum-to-ileum ratio, and the strength of the anastomosis improved. —The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 Aug. 2023

The primary function of the jejunum is to absorb water and nutrients from food—specifically, sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids—so damage in this area can lead to nutrient deficiencies and diarrhea. —SELF, 11 Feb. 2022

View Sample Sign Up Now Instead, the sugar and other components of fruit quickly move farther down the small intestine to the jejunum and ileum. —Markham Heid, Time, 6 June 2018

In each subject a gas mixture was continuously infused into the jejunum (12 ml/min) for three hours, and gas evacuation, clearance of a non- absorbable gaseous marker, perception, and abdominal girth were measured. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2015

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from neuter of Latin jejunus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

jejunum

noun

je·​ju·​num ji-ˈjü-nəm 

: the section of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum

Medical Definition

jejunum

noun

je·​ju·​num ji-ˈjü-nəm 

plural jejuna -nə 

: the section of the small intestine that comprises the first two fifths beyond the duodenum and that is larger, thicker-walled, and more vascular and has more circular folds and fewer Peyer's patches than the ileum