English Reference
Adjective

intestinal

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ɪnˈtɛstənəɫ/ UK /ɪntˈɛstɪnəl/ in·testi·nal

adj.relating to the intestines, which are the long tubes in your body that process food.

adj.relating to or occurring in the intestines. Typically used in medical or biological contexts to describe anatomy, conditions, or processes within the digestive tract.


SIMPLE

He suffered from an intestinal infection after eating bad food.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor ordered a series of tests to check for any intestinal blockages that might be causing the patient's pain.

COMPLEX

The absorption of nutrients is primarily an intestinal process, occurring as digested matter moves through the specialized lining of the small intestine into the bloodstream.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun.

Tyler’s death came months after she was treated in intensive care after being placed in an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.

BreakingNews.ie· 15 Aug 2026

Slower intestinal transit may contribute to constipation; dietary fiber, prebiotics, or motility-promoting measures may reduce these effects.

Phys.org· 14 Aug 2026

From Latin intestīnālis. By surface analysis, intestine + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin intestīnālis
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated