intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈte-stə-nᵊl 

-ˈtes(t)-nəl,

-ˈte-sᵊn-əl,

 British often  ˌin-(ˌ)te-ˈstī-nᵊl

1

: affecting, occurring, or living in the intestine

2

: of, relating to, or being the intestine

intestinally adverb

Examples of intestinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prompt surgery to repair the hole in the intestinal wall is the most common treatment for a perforated bowel. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 29 Dec. 2024

Man Found 'Soaked and Frozen' in Romanian Mountains Says Devoted Pet Kitten 'Kept Me Alive' Siler jumped into action and contacted her colleagues at the Helen Woodward Animal Center, where staff ensured the kitten, who was suffering from an intestinal parasite, received fluids and food. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024

This creates the phenomenon of intestinal hyperpermeability, transforming the intestine into a veritable sieve. —Marie Bladt, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024

The kitten was suffering from intestinal parasites and malnutrition and needed fast medical care. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intestinal

• intestinal fortitude

Kids Definition

intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl 

1

: of or relating to the intestine

2

: affecting or occurring in the intestine

intestinally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

intestinal

adjective

in·​tes·​ti·​nal

in-ˈtes-tən-ᵊl, -ˈtes(t)-nəl, -ˈtes-ᵊn-əl, British often ˌin-(ˌ)tes-ˈtīn-ᵊl

1

a

: affecting or occurring in the intestine

intestinal digestion

intestinal catarrh

b

: living in the intestine

the intestinal flora

an intestinal worm

2

: of, relating to, or being the intestine

the intestinal canal

intestinally

-ē 

adverb