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

The combination of protein and fat in eggs also triggers cholecystokinin (a hormone that promotes satiety) release from the small intestine, slows gastric emptying, and keeps you fuller for longer. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026

The flagship restaurant, which eventually became BCD Tofu House, popularized the spicy tofu stew with more than 10 variations that are still served today, including versions with seafood, kimchi, gopchang (small intestines) and a vegetable option. —Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026

In the operating room, her surgeon made a long incision down her abdomen, cut out the fist-size pouch of her stomach, and stitched her esophagus to her small intestine. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026

These include ileitis and jejunoileitis (where parts of the small intestine are inflamed), ileocolitis (where the last part of the small intestine, known as the ileum, and colon are inflamed), and colitis (where only the colon is involved). —Korin Miller, SELF, 31 Mar. 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