bowel

[bou-uhl, boul]

noun

1. Anatomy.

   1. Usually bowels. the intestine.

   2. a part of the intestine.

2. bowels,

   1. the inward or interior parts.

      the bowels of the earth.

   2. Archaic.,  feelings of pity or compassion.

verb (used with object)

boweled, boweling , bowelled, bowelling .

1. to disembowel.

bowel

/ ˈbaʊəl /

noun

1. an intestine, esp the large intestine in man

2. (plural) innards; entrails

3. (plural) the deep or innermost part (esp in the phrase the bowels of the earth )

4. archaic,  (plural) the emotions, esp of pity or sympathy

bowel

1. The intestine.

Other Word Forms

• bowelless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowel¹

1250–1300; Middle English b ( o ) uel < Old French < Latin botellus little sausage ( bot ( ulus ) sausage + -ellus -elle )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowel¹

C13: from Old French bouel , from Latin botellus a little sausage, from botulus sausage

Example Sentences

The Norfolk-based doctor has lupus, severe endometriosis, bladder and bowel damage as well as hip problems, which mean she uses mobility aids.

From BBC

Children are being failed by the absence of dedicated bladder and bowel services in some parts of the country, an expert said.

From BBC

"They never picked their noses or had bowel movements or zits," she said in the beginning of her story.

From BBC

Tony Mowbray succeeded Rooney, but stepped aside, initially on sick leave, eight matches into his reign after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

From BBC

Five years ago he was diagnosed with bowel cancer which has above average survival rates.

From BBC

Related Words

• decimate 
• empty 
• eviscerate 
• loot 
• ransack 
• ravage