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

Francis, a known workaholic who maintains a demanding schedule, has faced several health challenges in recent years, including intestinal surgery and recurring respiratory infections. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

This is a type of bacteria that, if consumed, can lead to an infection in the intestinal tract. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2025

Francis was last admitted to the hospital in June 2023 to have surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in the abdominal wall. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Francis is being treated at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he was last admitted in June 2023 to have surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in the abdominal wall. —Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 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