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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The jejunum is the middle part of the small intestine. — Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2025 For the first time, the team observed glucose excretion in the small intestine, followed by its transport to the large intestine and rectum. — Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025 People With Celiac Disease Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the white blood cells attack the small intestine's lining when gluten is ingested. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025 It's found in contaminated water and food, explains Ivers, which then produces a toxin in the small intestine that leads to the severe diarrhea and rapid fluid loss. — Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small intestine

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small intestine was in 1767

Rhymes for small intestine

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Browse Nearby Words

smalling
small intestine
small laurel
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Cite this Entry

“Small intestine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20intestine. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on small intestine

Nglish: Translation of small intestine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about small intestine

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