-alis

of, relating to

Forms

-alis
-aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
-al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
-ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

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adjective

intestinal

in-TES-tih-nuhl/ɪnˈtestɪnl/

Relating to the intestines.

The model shows the intestinal coils framed by the broader large intestine.

An isolated anatomical illustration of the intestines: the broad large intestine frames the compact coils of the small intestine, making the bowel region immediately recognizable.

Etymology

intestinLatingut

+alLatinof, relating to

The adjective means belonging to the gut. Its noun base, intestinum, was itself a word for something “inward” or “internal,” naming the bowels by their position inside the body.

In context

Plainly Difficult307:52

If contaminated food is consumed, it can result in a condition called listeriosis. This happens during digestion when the bacteria penetrates the intestinal tract to cause systemic infections.

Rewind Year 7 of Plainly Difficult | Youtube Omnibus

More examples

Fiber helps maintain intestinal health.
An intestinal blockage can require emergency surgery.
Some intestinal bacteria help break down food.

Forms

intestine noun — The digestive tube beyond the stomach.

Similar words

enteric: Also means intestinal, especially in medical and biological contexts.
digestive: Refers to digestion generally, not just to the intestines.