small intestine
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
From the M-W Editors
First Known Use of small intestine
1767
SMALL INTESTINE Defined for English Language Learners
small intestine
Definition of small intestine for English Language Learners
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: the long, narrow upper part of the intestine in which food is digested after it leaves the stomach
SMALL INTESTINE Defined for Kids
small intestine
Definition of small intestine for Students
: the long narrow upper part of the intestine in which food is mostly digested and from which digested food is absorbed into the body
Medical Dictionary
small intestine
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
Illustration of small intestine
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