large intestine

/lɑrdʒ ɪnˌtɛstən/

/lɑdʒ ɪnˈtɛstɪn/

Other forms: large intestines

Definitions of large intestine

1. noun

   beginning with the cecum and ending with the rectum; includes the cecum and the colon and the rectum; extracts moisture from food residues which are later excreted as feces
   types:

   colon

   the part of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum; it extracts moisture from food residues before they are excreted

   megacolon

   an abnormal enlargement of the colon; can be congenital (as in Hirschsprung's disease) or acquired (as when children refuse to defecate)

   transverse colon

   the part of the large intestine that extends across the abdominal cavity and joins the ascending to the descending colon

   ascending colon

   the part of the large intestine that ascends from the cecum to the transverse colon

   descending colon

   the part of the large intestine that descends from the transverse colon to the sigmoid colon

   sigmoid colon, sigmoid flexure

   the s-shaped curve between the descending colon and the rectum

   type of:

   bowel, gut, intestine

   the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus