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

These short-chain carbohydrates are poorly absorbed during digestion and ferment in the small intestine. —Roxana Ehsani, Health, 10 July 2024

Some instances that require additional consideration for vitamin D include the following: Gastric procedures: Certain gastric procedures, like gastric bypass, affect the upper small intestine, where vitamin D is absorbed. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024

These chunks may be fermented by bacteria in the small intestine, which could cause bacterial overgrowth, Melanson says, leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea, among other symptoms. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 3 July 2024

As food moves through the gastrointestinal tract, the small intestine absorbs the usable nutrients. —Anita K. Henry, Parents, 1 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

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