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small intestine

noun
|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

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

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Recent Examples of small intestine from the Web

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.

First Known Use of small intestine

1767

in the meaning defined above

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SMALL INTESTINE Defined for English Language Learners

small intestine

noun

Definition of small intestine for English Language Learners

  • : 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

noun

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

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

Illustration of small intestine

illustration of small intestine

Learn More about small intestine

  1. See words that rhyme with small intestine Nglish: Translation of small intestine for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about small intestine

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