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

Immune system aging proved to be the strongest long-term risk factor for dementia, while intestinal aging was identified as the primary risk factor for Parkinson's disease. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Fiber can also support healthy bowel movements and reduce intestinal inflammation, protecting against colon cancer. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 11 Mar. 2025

It can be caused by changes in intestinal flora (beneficial bacteria in the gut).6 In clinical studies, 3% of people taking 150 mg of fluconazole for vaginitis experienced diarrhea.5 8. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2025

This suggests that intestinal glucose flux provides an alternative carbohydrate source for gut bacteria, enhancing SCFA production, particularly with metformin treatment. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intestinal

• intestinal fortitude

Rhymes for intestinal

• gastrointestinal

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