bowel

noun bow·el \ˈbau̇(-ə)l\

: the long tube in the body that helps digest food and carries solid waste out of the body

the bowels : the deep inner parts of something

Full Definition of BOWEL

: intestine, gut; also : one of the divisions of the intestines —usually used in plural except in medical use <the large bowel> <move your bowels>

archaic : the seat of pity, tenderness, or courage —usually used in plural

plural : the interior parts; especially : the deep or remote parts <bowels of the earth>

— bow·el·less \ˈbau̇(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective

See bowel defined for English-language learners

See bowel defined for kids

Origin of BOWEL

Middle English, from Anglo-French buel, boel, from Medieval Latin botellus, from Latin, diminutive of botulus sausage

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with BOWEL

cowl, dowel, foul, fowl, growl, howl, jowl, prowl, rowel, scowl, towel, trowel, yowl

BOWEL Defined for Kids

bowel

noun bow·el \ˈbau̇-əl\

Definition of BOWEL for Kids

: intestine —usually used in pl.

: a part of the intestine <the large bowel>

Medical Dictionary

bowel

noun bow·el \ˈbau̇(-ə)l\

Medical Definition of BOWEL

: intestine, gut; also : one of the divisions of the intestines—usually used in plural except in medical use <move your bowels> <surgery of the involved bowel>