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

Malrotation: The large intestine doesn't rotate properly, resulting in abnormal placement of the large intestine. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 19 Oct. 2024

This procedure uses X-rays to examine your rectum, large intestine, and the lower part of the small intestine after administration of a barium enema (a liquid containing barium sulfate that, when in the body, highlights parts of the GI tract) into your rectum. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024

But food that has not yet made it down to your large intestines will still be in your system. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024

Crohn's usually affects your small intestine and the beginning of your large intestine. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined above

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