gastrointestinal

adjective

gas·​tro·​in·​tes·​ti·​nal ˌga-strō-in-ˈte-stə-nᵊl 

-ˈtes(t)-nəl

: of, relating to, affecting, or including both stomach and intestine

Examples of gastrointestinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that causes diarrhea, weight loss, bloating and cramping, has spread across the country since the beginning of the outbreak in May. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026

Capsaicin, the natural chemical compound in chili peppers, can cause severe irritability in a feline's gastrointestinal system. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Far more of an apparent issue, as the race approached the Alps, was a gastrointestinal illness which swept through the UAE Team Emirates squad after the second rest day. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026

And with peak travel season underway, millions of people may have to contend with this disorienting condition, which can cause sleep disturbances, daytime tiredness, headaches and nasty gastrointestinal symptoms. — Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gastrointestinal

• gastrointestinal tract

Rhymes for gastrointestinal

• intestinal

Kids Definition

gastrointestinal

adjective

gas·​tro·​in·​tes·​ti·​nal ˌgas-trō-in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or including both stomach and intestine

Medical Definition

gastrointestinal

adjective

gas·​tro·​in·​tes·​ti·​nal ˌgas-trō-in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl, -ˈtes(t)-nəl 

: of, relating to, or affecting both stomach and intestine

gastrointestinal distress