noun
ileum
IL-ee-um
Ileum (noun) means the last and usually longest section of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the large intestine. Example: “The surgeon removed a diseased section of the ileum.”
noun
1
technical The last and usually longest section of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the large intestine.
"The surgeon removed a diseased section of the ileum."
"Most of the vitamin B12 from food is absorbed in the ileum."
"Crohn's disease often affects the ileum."
How to use ileum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe last stretch of your small intestine.
When to use it
It is an anatomy term used mainly in medical and scientific writing.
Memory tip
The e in ileum goes with intestine, and the i in ilium goes with hip.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
ilium →
ileus
Common pairings
terminal ileum
inflammation of the ileum
resection of the ileum
ileum and jejunum
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The surgeon removed a diseased section of the _____.
Etymology
The word reached English through Medieval Latin from the Latin word ilia.
Rhymes for ileum
See all rhymes for ileum →Frequently asked questions
What is the ileum?
The ileum is the final section of the small intestine. It lies between the jejunum and the large intestine.
What is the difference between ileum and ilium?
Ileum is part of the intestine, while ilium is a bone of the hip and pelvis. The two words sound the same but are spelled differently.
What is the plural of ileum?
The plural is ilea.
What is the meaning of ileum?
"ileum" (noun) means the last and usually longest section of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the large intestine.
