enteric

adjective en·ter·ic \ en-ˈter-ik , in- \

Updated on: 7 Apr 2018

Definition of enteric

1 : of, relating to, or affecting the intestines; broadly : alimentary

2 : being or having a coating designed to pass through the stomach unaltered and disintegrate in the intestines

enteric aspirin

Recent Examples of enteric from the Web

The second largest nervous cluster in our bodies, after the brain, is the bundle in our gut (technically called the enteric nervous system, or ENS).

— paul root wolpe, Vox, "A human head transplant would be reckless and ghastly. It’s time to talk about it.," 2 Apr. 2018
As many as half a million children are thought to die every year from enteric diseases, including cholera and dysentery.

— The Economist, "Bangladesh shows how to keep children alive," 22 Mar. 2018
Enteric viruses—excreted in feces and found at high levels in untreated sewage—are a major concern in Guanabara Bay, says Kristina Mena, an associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health.

— National Geographic, "What's in Rio's Bay and Beaches?," 15 Aug. 2016
Amphibians and reptiles can carry salmonella bacteria without appearing sick, says Patricia Griffin, a physician and chief of the enteric diseases epidemiology branch at CDC.

— nathan seppa, WIRED, "Pet Frogs Transmit Salmonella," 25 Oct. 2010
Getting a look at these digestive neurons, called the enteric nervous system, could provide insight into gastrointestinal conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome.

— paul smaglik, Discover Magazine, "First Glance Into the Gut," 19 Dec. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enteric.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of enteric

1833

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

enteric

adjective en·ter·ic \ en-ˈter-ik, in- \

medical Definition of enteric

1 : of, relating to, or affecting the intestines

enteric diseases

; broadly : alimentary

2 : being or possessing a coating designed to pass through the stomach unaltered and to disintegrate in the intestines

enteric aspirin

Learn More about enteric

See words that rhyme with enteric

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up enteric? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

enteric

Definition of enteric

Recent Examples of enteric from the Web

First Known Use of enteric

Medical Dictionary

enteric

medical Definition of enteric

Learn More about enteric

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

loath

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

Word Winder's CrossWinder

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

enteric

Definition of enteric

Recent Examples of enteric from the Web

First Known Use of enteric

Medical Dictionary

enteric

medical Definition of enteric

Learn More about enteric

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes