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Bowels Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bowels

[ˈbaʊəlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

internal organs

The bowels refer to the part of the intestines, in particular the small and large intestines, that makes up the lower part of the digestive system. The bowels are responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from food, as well as eliminating waste from the body.

Synonyms

digestive tract, guts, intestines.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bowels

Used in medical or formal contexts to refer to the intestines or the lower part of the digestive system. Also occasionally used metaphorically to refer to the innermost parts of something.

  • The patient's bowels need to be checked for blockages.
  • The bowels of the earth contain many secrets.
intestines

Commonly used in both everyday and medical language to specifically refer to either the small or large intestines within the digestive system.

  • The surgeon removed a section of the patient's intestines.
  • Certain foods can affect the health of your intestines.
guts

Informal term often used to refer to the intestines or the internal organs collectively. Can also be used metaphorically to refer to courage or bravery. This term can sound crude or direct.

  • He could feel a twisting pain in his guts.
  • It takes guts to stand up to a bully.
digestive tract

This term is typically used in medical or scientific contexts to refer to the whole system in the body responsible for digestion, including the stomach and intestines.

  • A healthy diet is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive tract.
  • The gastroenterologist specializes in diseases of the digestive tract.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor suspected a blockage in her bowels.
  • He experienced a sharp pain in his bowels after eating the spicy food.
  • She felt a rumbling in her bowels, indicating that she needed to use the restroom.
Context #2 | Noun

innermost part

The term 'bowels' can also refer to the innermost part or depths of something. It is often used metaphorically to describe deep emotions or thoughts that are hidden or not easily expressed.

Synonyms

center, core, depths.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bowels

Used when referring to the innermost parts, often in a literal or figurative sense. Frequently connected to something deep and hidden inside an object or being, such as emotions or physical structures.

  • The miners descended into the bowels of the earth.
  • He felt a chill in the bowels of his soul.
depths

Refers to the deepest parts of something, either in a physical or abstract sense. Can often carry a more serious or profound tone.

  • The submarine explored the depths of the ocean.
  • She felt lost in the depths of her own mind.
core

Used to describe the most essential or most important part of something. Often applies to concepts, values, beliefs, or physical objects.

  • Trust is at the core of any strong relationship.
  • The core of the apple was tough to remove.
center

Appropriate when referring to the middle point of something or the main area of focus. Can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • The park is located at the center of the city.
  • She found herself at the center of the debate.

Examples of usage

  • She poured out her innermost thoughts and feelings, revealing the bowels of her soul.
  • He was moved to tears by the bowels of compassion he felt for the orphaned children.
  • The documentary explored the bowels of the criminal underworld.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Bowels play a crucial role in the digestive system, where food is processed and nutrients are absorbed.
  • There are two primary parts: the small intestine (where most absorption happens) and the large intestine (where waste is formed and stored).
  • The microbiome in the bowels consists of trillions of bacteria that aid in digestion and promote gut health.

Psychology

  • Research suggests the gut can influence emotions, leading to terms like 'gut feeling', highlighting a connection between digestion and mental health.
  • The concept of 'gut-brain axis' suggests that the health of the digestive system can affect mood and cognitive functioning.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and films, the term 'bowels' often symbolizes deep emotions or instinctual feelings, such as fear or love.
  • Many comedians use humor related to 'bowels' in their acts, drawing attention to the common but often awkward nature of bodily functions.

Health

  • Maintaining a healthy diet with fiber is crucial for keeping the bowels functioning properly and preventing issues like constipation.
  • Diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can affect many people, emphasizing the importance of awareness and health care in digestive issues.

Origin of 'bowels'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bowels' comes from the Old English 'bula', which means 'the interior of the body' or 'intestines'.
  • In Latin, intestines are referred to as 'intestina', which signifies the concept of something internal.

The word 'bowels' has its origins in Middle English, where it was used to refer to the internal organs or entrails. It comes from the Old French word 'boel', which in turn originated from the Latin word 'botellus', meaning 'intestines'. The use of 'bowels' to describe deep emotions or thoughts developed later, influenced by the idea of the innermost part of something. Over time, 'bowels' has become a versatile word with both literal and metaphorical meanings.

See also: bowl, bowling.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,840, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.