duodenum

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the first and shortest section of the small intestine, between the stomach and the jejunum

   Bile and pancreatic enzymes enter the duodenum during digestion.

From Medieval Latin duodenum, shortened from duodenum digitorum, 'of twelve fingers.' Anatomists believed this section of intestine to be about twelve finger-widths long; the phrase derives from Latin duodeni, 'twelve each.'

Topics