gastrointestinal

adjective

gas·​tro·​in·​tes·​ti·​nal ˌga-strō-in-ˈte-stə-nᵊl How to pronounce gastrointestinal (audio)
-ˈtes(t)-nəl
: of, relating to, affecting, or including both stomach and intestine

Examples of gastrointestinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One concern is parents of autistic children, who often have gastrointestinal issues, though the science linking those issues to autism is unsettled. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026 This may help with preventing gastrointestinal issues such as constipation. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 22 June 2026 Though minor gastrointestinal discomfort is the most common symptom of exposure, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in the very young, old, or those with weakened immune systems. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness, according to the FDA. Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gastrointestinal

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gastrointestinal was in 1831

Cite this Entry

“Gastrointestinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gastrointestinal. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

gastrointestinal

adjective
gas·​tro·​in·​tes·​ti·​nal ˌgas-trō-in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl How to pronounce gastrointestinal (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce gastrointestinal (audio)
: of, relating to, or affecting both stomach and intestine
gastrointestinal distress
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