noun

duodenum

dyoo-uh-DEE-num

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Duodenum (noun) means the first part of the small intestine, running from the lower end of the stomach to the jejunum. Example: “Food leaves the stomach and passes into the duodenum.”

noun

anatomy The first part of the small intestine, running from the lower end of the stomach to the jejunum.

"Food leaves the stomach and passes into the duodenum."

"The doctor found an ulcer in his duodenum."

"Bile enters the duodenum to help with digestion."

How to use duodenum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe first section of the small intestine, just after the stomach.

When to use it

It is a medical and anatomical term, rarely used outside health contexts.

Memory tip

Stress the second-to-last syllable, so it sounds like dyoo-uh-DEE-num.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

duodenal ulcer stomach and duodenum lining of the duodenum

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “duodenum” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Food leaves the stomach and passes into the _____.

Etymology

Duodenum comes from Medieval Latin, from a phrase meaning a space of twelve digits, which referred to its length. The phrase was built from a Latin word meaning twelve each and the genitive plural of the word for finger.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Rhymes for duodenum

molybdenum

See all rhymes for duodenum →

Frequently asked questions

What is the duodenum?

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. It begins at the lower end of the stomach and extends to the jejunum.

What is the plural of duodenum?

The plural is duodena or duodenums.

Where does the word duodenum come from?

It comes from Medieval Latin, from a phrase meaning space of twelve digits, referring to its length.

What is the meaning of duodenum?

"duodenum" (noun) means the first part of the small intestine, running from the lower end of the stomach to the jejunum.