ileum

noun

il·​e·​um ˈi-lē-əm How to pronounce ileum (audio)
plural ilea ˈi-lē-ə How to pronounce ileum (audio)
: the last division of the small intestine extending between the jejunum and large intestine
ileal adjective

Examples of ileum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The diameters of the jejunum and ileum remained stable, maintaining a favorable jejunum-to-ileum ratio, and the strength of the anastomosis improved. The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 Aug. 2023 Sometimes, the ability of the terminal ileum (the part of the intestine where bile salts are reabsorbed) gets overwhelmed, and bile acids enter the colon, causing diarrhea. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 19 July 2023 The Roux-en-Y operation shortens the intestine, bringing food into the ileum much earlier in the digestive process. Bijal P Trivedi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2012 The final stretch of small intestine, the ileum, secretes incretins and absorbs more nutrients before emptying into the large intestine for elimination. Bijal P Trivedi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2012 Small bowel obstruction originating from thickened and enhancing terminal ileum. Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2011 The surgeon found and removed a small growth in the ileum known as a carcinoid tumor. Douglas G Adler, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2017 The chance of making that diagnosis goes up markedly when the terminal ileum is included. Lisa Sanders, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2020 Nicholas' ileum, the final section of his small intestine, is full of pus and ulcers. Mark Johnson and Kathleen Gallagher, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 21 Dec. 2010

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ileum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, alteration of Latin ilia, plural, groin, viscera

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ileum was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near ileum

Cite this Entry

“Ileum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ileum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ileum

noun
il·​e·​um ˈil-ē-əm How to pronounce ileum (audio)
plural ilea -ē-ə How to pronounce ileum (audio)
: the last part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the large intestine
ileal adjective

Medical Definition

ileum

noun
il·​e·​um ˈil-ē-əm How to pronounce ileum (audio)
plural ilea -ē-ə How to pronounce ileum (audio)
: the last division of the small intestine that constitutes the part between the jejunum and large intestine and in humans forms the last three fifths of the part of the small intestine beyond the end of the duodenum and that is smaller and thinner-walled than the jejunum with fewer circular folds but more numerous Peyer's patches

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