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

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

Ingestible capsules offer a way in, providing direct access to the small intestine and colon. —IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026

As the friend stumbled, one bullet hit him in the buttock and pierced his small intestine. —Simon Hughes, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026

The mogrosides in monk fruit aren't broken down quickly, the way that sugar is in the small intestine. —Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 16 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