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

Karam had even been approved to see a gastrointestinal specialist for his condition, but he was transferred before the appointment. —Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026

Forms that dissolve easily in water are absorbed better by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. —Kirstyn Hill, Health, 26 Jan. 2026

Many of the cancers in the study, including colorectal cancer, are typically seen later in life, in people’s 60s and 70s, says Jeff Meyerhardt, a gastrointestinal oncologist and co-director of the Colon and Rectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026

Trauma patients may require transfusions after everything from car crashes and falls to penetrating injuries, and Denver Health also treats many patients dealing with medical emergencies like gastrointestinal bleeds or those undergoing heart procedures. —Tori Mason, CBS News, 21 Jan. 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