Finesentence

Duodenum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🍽️
Save

duodenum

duo-de-num

🇺🇸 /duˈɑdənəm/ · 🇬🇧 /djˈuːəʊdnəm/

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy digestion

The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine, situated between the stomach and the jejunum. It is approximately 25 to 30 centimeters long and plays a critical role in the digestive process. This part of the intestine is where the majority of chemical digestion occurs, with the help of bile and pancreatic enzymes. The duodenum also helps to neutralize stomach acid before it enters the small intestine, facilitating a more efficient digestion of nutrients.

Examples of usage

  • The duodenum absorbs nutrients from digested food.
  • Enzymes from the pancreas are released into the duodenum.
  • The pH levels in the duodenum are regulated for optimal enzyme activity.

Translations

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

Quick facts about “duodenum”

Duodenum is a 3-syllable noun (duo-de-num). It is pronounced /duˈɑdənəm/ in American English and /djˈuːəʊdnəm/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #15,597 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'duodenum'

The term 'duodenum' originates from the Latin word 'duodeni', which means 'twelve'. This refers to the fact that the duodenum is roughly twelve fingerbreadths in length, a measurement used in ancient times. The term has been utilized in medical nomenclature since around the 15th century, reflecting the medical understanding of human anatomy at that time. Its importance in the digestive system has been recognized for centuries, as it is essential for the process of breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. The study of the duodenum has contributed to advancements in gastrointestinal medicine and surgery.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,597, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.