duodenum
UK[ˌdjuːəˈdiːnəm]US[ˌduːəˈdiːnəm]
n
the first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach, where digestion continues.
Etymology
the term 'duodenum' entered english directly from medical latin. its origin lies in the latin adjective 'duodeni', meaning 'twelve each'. this is a shortening of the full phrase 'intestinum duodenum digitorum', which translates to 'intestine of twelve finger-widths'. this anatomical measurement was used by ancient physicians to describe the approximate length of this section of the small intestine. thus, the modern abstract medical term retains a direct, literal link to a descriptive physical measurement from classical antiquity.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from latin, where it functioned as a noun. the latin term 'duodenum' is derived from the phrase 'duodeni digitorum', meaning 'of twelve fingers'.
Examples
the bile duct empties digestive juices into the duodenum.
ulcers most commonly occur in the stomach or the duodenum.
during the procedure, the endoscope was advanced into the duodenum.