enteric

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

|Updated on: 15 Jun 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 institute’s focus is on diseases that disproportionately affect the poor: malaria, tuberculosis, and enteric diseases.

— helen branswell, STAT, "The Gates Foundation rolls outs details of its new biotech, one without a profit motive," 7 June 2018
The institute’s focus is on diseases that disproportionately affect the poor: malaria, tuberculosis, and enteric diseases.

— helen branswell, BostonGlobe.com, "New Gates Foundation spinoff focuses on diseases that affect the poor," 7 June 2018
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.