small intestine

noun

: the narrow part of the intestine that lies between the stomach and colon, consists of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, secretes digestive enzymes, and is the chief site of the digestion of food into small molecules which are absorbed into the body

Examples of small intestine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Much of the increase in younger adults is occurring in the rectum and the lower part of the large intestine closest to the rectum, marking a shift from prior generations, when cancers were more often found in the upper part of the colon closer to the small intestine, the researchers said. —Dr. Ishani D. Premaratne, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026

Procedures, like gastric bypass, affect the upper small intestine, where vitamin D is absorbed. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2026

The small intestine can’t digest fiber in the same way as other kinds of carbohydrates, so unlike sugar or starch, for instance, fiber is not a great source of fuel for the body. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 23 Feb. 2026

His small intestine and esophagus had also migrated up. —Amber Gaudet updated February 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for small intestine

• clandestine
• progestin

Kids Definition

small intestine

noun

: the long narrow part of the intestine between the stomach and the colon in which food is mostly digested, from which digested food is absorbed into the body, and which consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum

Medical Definition

small intestine

noun

: the part of the intestine that lies between the stomach and colon, consists of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, secretes digestive enzymes, and is the chief site of the absorption of digested nutrients

called also small bowel