# intestine

/ˌɪnˈtɛstən/ (US) · /ɪntˈɛstɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intestine
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. digestive tube

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the long, coiled tube in your body that processes food after it leaves the stomach.

For teachers: the tubular part of the digestive system that extends from the stomach to the anus.

- Nutrients from your food are absorbed into the blood through the walls of the small intestine.
- The surgeon examined the small intestine for signs of obstruction before proceeding with the rest of the abdominal procedure.

Usage: Often used in the plural 'intestines' when referring to the organ as a whole in a general sense.

### 2. specific section

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

one of the two main parts of this tube, known as the small or large intestine.

For teachers: a specific anatomical subdivision of the alimentary canal, typically categorized as small or large.

- The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water from waste material.
- Chronic inflammation in the large intestine can lead to significant discomfort and requires long-term dietary management.

## Examples

- The doctor says my small intestine is healthy.
- Nutrients from your meal are absorbed into the bloodstream as food passes through the walls of the small intestine.
- While the small intestine is responsible for the majority of chemical digestion, the large intestine primarily focuses on absorbing water and transmitting useless waste material from the body.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.