duodenum

IPA/ˌdjuːəˈdiːnəm/
KK[duˈɑdənəm]IPA/ˌduːəˈdiːnəm/

duodenum — noun

  • duodenumsingular
  • duodenaplural

1. the short, tube-shaped section at the top of the bowel, just after the stomach;

1.nounB2
Definition

the short, tube-shaped section at the top of the bowel, just after the stomach; fluids from the liver and pancreas enter here to help finish breaking down food.

Example

The surgeon found a small ulcer in the patient's duodenum during the operation.

countable noun: found + in + the duodenum

Food passes from the stomach into the duodenum, where bile and enzymes break it down.

anatomical description: moves from [A] into the duodenum

Common collocations
  • duodenal ulcer
  • duodenal lining
  • duodenum + absorbs
  • inflamed duodenum
  • duodenum + connects

Grammar Patterns

the duodenum

one's duodenum

Usage Note

Typically used in medical or scientific contexts. The duodenum is the first of three sections of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum).

Common Mistakes

The ulcer is in her small intestine.' (when referring to the first part specifically).
The ulcer is in her duodenum.
The duodenum is only the first section of the small intestine; the two terms are not interchangeable.

Word family

  • duodenal
    adjectiveC1
  • duodenitis
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

The duodenum is the first of three segments that make up the small intestine, followed by the jejunum and the ileum. 'Small intestine' refers to the entire organ from the stomach to the large intestine — using it when you mean the duodenum specifically is like saying 'car' when you mean 'engine'. The jejunum is the middle segment where most nutrient absorption occurs, and the ileum is the final section that absorbs vitamin B12 and bile salts. 'Duodenal' is the adjective form, used in medical phrases like 'duodenal ulcer' or 'duodenal lining' — it cannot replace the noun 'duodenum'. For example: 'The X-ray showed a blockage in the duodenum, not the jejunum.' vs. 'She was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer.'

small intestinejejunumileum ↗duodenal

Common collocations

Nouns

  • duodenal ulcer
  • duodenal lining
  • duodenal wall

Phrases

  • the lining of the duodenum
  • the first part of the duodenum

Prepositions

  • in the duodenum
  • into the duodenum
  • through the duodenum

Etymology

Medieval LatinEnglish

From Medieval Latin 'duodenum digitorum', literally meaning 'of twelve fingers' breadth' — early anatomists measured the length of this part of the intestine as roughly twelve finger-widths (about 25 cm). The term was shortened to simply 'duodenum' in English.

First known use

14th century

14th century, in the meaning defined above