jejunum

noun

je·​ju·​num ji-ˈjü-nəm How to pronounce jejunum (audio)
plural jejuna ji-ˈjü-nə How to pronounce jejunum (audio)
: 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 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 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 In the case of one American gentleman, erosions into his esophagus formed a passageway from his lung into his gut, allowing for one plombe to escape and journey through his stomach, duodenum, and finally to his jejunum (9). Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2015 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jejunum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jejunum was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near jejunum

Cite this Entry

“Jejunum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jejunum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

jejunum

noun
je·​ju·​num ji-ˈjü-nəm How to pronounce jejunum (audio)
: the section of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum

Medical Definition

jejunum

noun
je·​ju·​num ji-ˈjü-nəm How to pronounce jejunum (audio)
plural jejuna -nə How to pronounce jejunum (audio)
: 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

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