Intestine Meaning and Definition
Intestine
Pronunciation
/intrstn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A tubular, coiled, and specialized digestive organ in the body of most vertebrates, used for the absorption of nutrients and waste elimination.
Examples
- The doctor performed a colonoscopy to examine the intestine.
- Intestinal health is crucial for overall well-being.
Synonyms
- Intest
- Gut
- Bowel
Etymology
The word “intestine” comes from the Latin “intestinum,” meaning “bowel” or “gut.”
Usage Notes
When referring to the intestine, it’s common to use the plural form “intestines” to describe the multiple tubular structures within the body.
Cultural References
The intestine has been an important concept in many cultural and mythological traditions, particularly in ancient Greek and Chinese medicine.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Gut feeling” is a common idiomatic expression that refers to a person’s intuition or instinct.
Related Words or Phrases
- Colon
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Gastrointestinal
Collocations
“Intestine” often collocates with words like “health,” “well-being,” and “functioning.”
Frequency of Use
The word “intestine” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it’s frequently used in medical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings include “intestine” spelled as “intenstine,” “intestines,” and “internal.”