Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to the intestines: Pertaining to or located within the intestines, which are the long, continuous tube in the digestive system running from the stomach to the anus.
   • Internal, visceral: By extension, can describe something as being deep within or fundamental to a system, though this is a less common figurative use.

Usage and Examples

• Basic Adjective Use:
  • The doctor specialized in intestinal disorders. (The doctor's expertise was in diseases affecting the intestines.)
  • An intestinal blockage can be a serious medical condition. (An obstruction inside the intestines is a serious health issue.)
  • The intestinal lining absorbs nutrients from food. (The inner surface of the intestines absorbs nutrients.)

Advanced Usage

• "intestinal flora": The community of microorganisms, including bacteria, that normally live in the intestines.
  • A healthy balance of intestinal flora is crucial for digestion.
• "intestinal fortitude": (Idiomatic) Courage, grit, or endurance; a figurative use comparing inner strength to the toughness of the intestines.
  • Finishing the marathon required tremendous intestinal fortitude.

Variants and Related Words

• Intestine (noun): The organ itself; the bowels or gut.
  • The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs.
• Intestinally (adverb): In a manner relating to the intestines.
  • The medication is absorbed intestinally.
• Gastrointestinal (adjective): Pertaining to both the stomach and the intestines.
  • He experienced gastrointestinal discomfort.

Synonyms

• Enteric (adjective): A more technical synonym for intestinal.
  • The enteric nervous system controls gut function.
• Visceral (adjective): Relating to the internal organs; can be used more broadly than just the intestines.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Intestinal tract: Another term for the intestines or the digestive passage.
  • The infection spread through the entire intestinal tract.
• Intestinal parasite: An organism that lives in and feeds off the intestines.
  • The traveler was diagnosed with an intestinal parasite.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or inside the intestines
   • intestinal disease