duodenum

noun

du·​o·​de·​num ˌdü-ə-ˈdē-nəm How to pronounce duodenum (audio) du̇-ˈä-də-nəm How to pronounce duodenum (audio)
 also  (ˌ)dyü-
plural duodena ˌdü-ə-ˈdē-nə How to pronounce duodenum (audio)
du̇-ˈä-də-nə
or duodenums
: the first part of the small intestine extending from the pylorus to the jejunum

Examples of duodenum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Peptic Ulcer Disease Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which open sores develop in the lining of the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Steffini Stalos, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024 Sometimes, the surgeon may insert a stent from the gallbladder to the first part of the intestine (duodenum). Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2024 Next, the second part of the small intestine, the jejunum, is surgically separated from the first section (the duodenum) and the last section (the ileum). Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 5 July 2024 The sore develops when gastric acids that help your body digest food damage the walls of your stomach or duodenum. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for duodenum 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin duodeni twelve each, from duodecim twelve; from its length, about 12 fingers' breadth

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of duodenum was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near duodenum

Cite this Entry

“Duodenum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duodenum. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

duodenum

noun
plural duodena -ˈdē-nə How to pronounce duodenum (audio)
-ᵊn-ə
or duodenums
: the first part of the small intestine extending from the opening from the stomach into the small intestine to the jejunum
duodenal adjective

Medical Definition

duodenum

noun
plural duodena -ˈdē-nə, -ᵊn-ə How to pronounce duodenum (audio) or duodenums
: the first, shortest, and widest part of the small intestine that in humans is about 10 inches (25 centimeters) long and that extends from the pylorus to the undersurface of the liver where it descends for a variable distance and receives the bile and pancreatic ducts and then bends to the left and finally upward to join the jejunum near the second lumbar vertebra
duodenal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on duodenum

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