large intestine

noun

: the more terminal division of the vertebrate intestine that is wider and shorter than the small intestine, typically divided into cecum, colon, and rectum, and concerned especially with the resorption of water and the formation of feces

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Francis, 84, underwent three hours of surgery Sunday for what the Vatican said was a narrowing of the large intestine. —Nicole Winfield, Star Tribune, 6 July 2021

In 2021, the pope had roughly 13 inches of his large intestine removed because of what the Vatican said was inflammation that caused a narrowing of his colon. —Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2023

Francis had 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his large intestine removed in 2021 because of what the Vatican said was inflammation that caused a narrowing of his colon. —Nicole Winfield, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Jan. 2023

Water and nutrients are absorbed into the small intestine, leaving behind waste products that eventually land in the large intestine. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2023

So Kelly — at her patient’s urging — decided to try something highly experimental: transplanting a fecal sample from a healthy donor into the large intestine. —Kendall Powell, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2019

Treatments for ulcerative colitis include steroids and special drugs known as biologics that work to reduce inflammation in the large intestine. —David Armstrong, ProPublica, 2 Feb. 2023

Pope Francis went Sunday to a Rome hospital for scheduled surgery for a stenosis, or restriction, of the large intestine, the Vatican said. —NBC News, 4 July 2021

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

large intestine

noun

: the last part of the intestine which is wider and shorter than the small intestine, which consists of the cecum, colon, and rectum, and which absorbs water from the material left over from digestion and prepares the feces for release from the body

Medical Definition

large intestine

noun

: the more terminal division of the vertebrate intestine that is wider and shorter than the small intestine, typically divided into cecum, colon, and rectum, and concerned especially with the resorption of water and the formation of feces