large intestine

noun

: the more terminal division of the vertebrate intestine that is wider and shorter than the small intestine, typically divided into cecum, colon, and rectum, and concerned especially with the resorption of water and the formation of feces

Examples of large intestine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Colorectal cancer, per the American Cancer Society, starts in the colon or the rectum, which make up the large intestine in the digestive system. —Colson Thayer, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where overactive immune responses cause inflammation and ulcers in the colon (large intestine). —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 12 Feb. 2025

Indiana pouch: This procedure creates an internal pouch using a piece of the large intestine and the ileocecal valve, naturally found inside the intestine. —Jamin Brahmbhatt, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

When these carbohydrates reach the large intestine, bacteria break them down, causing gas. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for large intestine

• clandestine
• progestin

Kids Definition

large intestine

noun

: the last part of the intestine which is wider and shorter than the small intestine, which consists of the cecum, colon, and rectum, and which absorbs water from the material left over from digestion and prepares the feces for release from the body

Medical Definition

large intestine

noun

: the more terminal division of the vertebrate intestine that is wider and shorter than the small intestine, typically divided into cecum, colon, and rectum, and concerned especially with the resorption of water and the formation of feces