noun

jejunum

ji-JOO-num

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Jejunum (noun) means the middle section of the small intestine, lying between the duodenum and the ileum. Example: “Nutrients from digested food are absorbed mainly in the jejunum.”

noun

technical The middle section of the small intestine, lying between the duodenum and the ileum.

"Nutrients from digested food are absorbed mainly in the jejunum."

"Surgeons sometimes need to remove a damaged section of the jejunum."

"The jejunum has a thicker, more folded lining than the ileum below it."

How to use jejunum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe jejunum is the middle stretch of the small intestine, where most digestion of food happens.

When to use it

This is a specialist anatomical term, mostly used in medical and biological contexts rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember the order duodenum, jejunum, ileum to keep the three parts of the small intestine straight.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

jejune →

Common pairings

the jejunum and ileum resection of the jejunum lining of the jejunum

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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 “jejunum” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Nutrients from digested food are absorbed mainly in the _____.

Etymology

Jejunum comes from Latin iēiūnum, the neuter form of the adjective iēiūnus. The Latin word is also the source of the English adjective jejune.

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

Where is the jejunum located?

It sits in the small intestine, between the duodenum above it and the ileum below it.

What is the jejunum's main job?

It absorbs most of the nutrients from food as they pass through the digestive system.

Is jejunum the same as jejune?

No. Jejune is an unrelated everyday word meaning naive or dull, though both trace back to the same Latin root.

What is the meaning of jejunum?

"jejunum" (noun) means the middle section of the small intestine, lying between the duodenum and the ileum.