hindgut

noun

hind·​gut ˈhīn(d)-ˌgət How to pronounce hindgut (audio)
: the posterior part of the digestive tract
also : intestine

Examples of hindgut 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.
Termites poop out perfect little hexagons By Dr. Jessica Ware Termites eat cellulose, but rely on the endosymbionts in their hindgut to digest it. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 3 July 2024 Sugiura hypothesized that the beetle was using its legs to stimulate the hindgut, forcing the frog to defecate so the beetle could escape. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 Oct. 2023 Although the cockroach's hindgut contained abundant β-1,3-glucanase activity, its feces had no detectable enzymatic function. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2014 Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, the causative agent of Chagas disease, in the hindgut of a triatomine bug. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 29 July 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hindgut was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near hindgut

Cite this Entry

“Hindgut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hindgut. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hindgut

noun
hind·​gut -ˌgət How to pronounce hindgut (audio)
: the posterior part of the embryonic digestive tract

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