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

Alcohol use disorder: Alcohol reduces intestinal absorption of zinc and increases urinary removal, contributing to low zinc.16 How to Add Zinc Into Your Diet Most people consume enough zinc. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025

Salmonella is a bacterial disease that can cause problems in the intestinal tract, leading to an infection that can occur through contaminated food and water, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Escher Walcott, People.com, 3 June 2025

Is the microbiota—the trillions of bacteria and yeast that live with the intestinal flora of your gastrointestinal system—on its way to becoming our best wellness ally? —Mélanie Nauche, Vogue, 29 May 2025

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella Illness? Salmonella (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial infection of the intestinal tract. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 May 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