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Definition of intestine

intestine

/ɪnˈtɛs.tɪn/
in · tes · tine
Adverb:intestinally
•
Plural:intestines
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intestine Lexical Profile

intestine Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The lower portion of the alimentary canal extending from the stomach to the anus, responsible for absorbing nutrients and water, typically divided into the small and large intestines.

Example

"After leaving the stomach, partially digested food enters the small intestine where the majority of nutrient absorption takes place."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for intestine

Word Nuance & Usage

While universally known as an anatomical noun, 'intestine' is also used as a formal or historical adjective to describe civil or internal conflicts within a country (e.g., 'intestine war'), which can surprise modern readers.

• Rhymes for intestine

• Nearby Words

interweave
interwoven
intestinal
intestine
intifada
intimacy
intimate

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'intestin', borrowed from Old French, which stems from Latin 'intestinus' meaning 'inward, internal', derived from the adverb 'intus' meaning 'within'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Intestine. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/intestine
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