duodenum

noun du·o·de·num \ˌdü-ə-ˈdē-nəm, du̇-ˈä-də-nəm also (ˌ)dyü-\

medical : the part of the small intestine that is right below your stomach

plural du·o·de·na\-ˈdē-nə, -də-nə\ or du·o·denums

Full Definition of DUODENUM

: the first part of the small intestine extending from the pylorus to the jejunum

— du·o·de·nal \-ˈdē-n^əl, -də-nəl\ adjective

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Origin of DUODENUM

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin duodeni twelve each, from duodecim twelve; from its length, about 12 fingers' breadth

First Known Use: 14th century

Medical Dictionary

duodenum

noun du·o·de·num \ˌd(y)ü-ə-ˈdē-nəm, d(y)u̇-ˈäd-^ən-əm\

plural du·o·de·na \-ˈdē-nə, -^ən-ə\ or du·o·de·nums

Medical Definition of DUODENUM

: the first, shortest, and widest part of the small intestine that in humans is about 10 inches (25 centimeters) long and that extends from the pylorus to the undersurface of the liver where it descends for a variable distance and receives the bile and pancreatic ducts and then bends to the left and finally upward to join the jejunum near the second lumbar vertebra

—du·o·de·nal \-ˈdēn-^əl, -^ən-əl\ adjective