small intestine

noun

Definition of small intestine

: 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 Unlike the small intestine, no digestion occurs here, only the absorption of water and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. — Bayliss Wagner, USA TODAY, 24 June 2021 The most common is celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder in which eating gluten causes damage in the small intestine (more on this below). — Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health.com, 2 June 2021 Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition in which gluten signals the body to attack the lining of the small intestine. — Lois K. Solomon, sun-sentinel.com, 17 June 2021 No Air Force pilot had ever returned to service after a colectomy or ileostomy (involving the lowest part of the small intestine), and the pair set out to educate the Air Force medical staff — right to the very top. — John Reinan, Star Tribune, 12 June 2021 They are joined at the lower chest and abdomen and share a liver, pancreatic glands, and part of their small intestine. — Cnn Editorial Research, CNN, 26 May 2021 Sydney died of internal injuries caused by a punch to her stomach that ruptured her small intestine. — cleveland, 6 May 2021 The company’s other scopes are used for procedures and visual examinations in the bladder, airways, lungs, small intestine, ear, nose and throat. — Hallie Miller, baltimoresun.com, 30 Apr. 2021 As part of those surgeries, your doctor may create an ileal pouch inside of your body (a small chamber that collects waste from digestion) using part of your small intestine. — Natasha Lavender, SELF, 14 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'small intestine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About small intestine

Dictionary Entries Near small intestine

small intestine

Statistics for small intestine

Last Updated

17 Jul 2021

Cite this Entry

“Small intestine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20intestine. Accessed 26 Jul. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for small intestine

small intestine

noun

English Language Learners Definition of small intestine

: the long, narrow upper part of the intestine in which food is digested after it leaves the stomach

See the full definition for small intestine in the English Language Learners Dictionary

small intestine

noun

Kids Definition of small intestine

: the long narrow upper part of the intestine in which food is mostly digested and from which digested food is absorbed into the body

small intestine

noun

Medical Definition of small intestine

: 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