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

May Improve Bladder Health The seeds of certain pumpkin varieties (Cucurbita pepo L.) have traditionally been used to treat parasites (e.g., intestinal worms) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 5 Feb. 2025

Think of it as your gut's 'cleansing cycle,' sweeping away leftover food particles and bacteria, helping guard against small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and priming your digestive system for the next meal. —Lucy Notarantonio, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025

Lauren, who was driving the family’s vehicle, survived with broken bones in her arms and spine and an intestinal tear. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2025

With anything intestinal or urinary tract infections, bacteriophages can go very far. —Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 31 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