enteric: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “enteric” mean?
Relating to or occurring in the intestines.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or occurring in the intestines.
1. Specifically pertaining to the small intestine. 2. In pharmacology, referring to a coating on tablets that resists stomach acid, allowing release in the intestine. 3. In microbiology, relating to enteric bacteria, which typically inhabit the intestines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both UK and US English, confined to medical, pharmaceutical, and biological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “enteric” in a Sentence
Adjectival modifier (e.g., enteric [noun])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enteric” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patient was prescribed an enteric-coated aspirin to protect her stomach.
- Salmonella is a classic example of an enteric organism.
American English
- The medication has an enteric coating so it dissolves in the intestine.
- Research focused on enteric neurotransmitters and gut motility.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in pharmaceutical company reports regarding drug formulations.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and pharmacological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in medical diagnosis, microbiology, and drug manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “enteric”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “enteric”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enteric”
- Using 'enteric' to describe stomach issues (it's specifically intestinal).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈɛntərɪk/ (stress is on the second syllable).
- Attempting to use it in everyday contexts where 'stomach' or 'gut' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Gastric' refers specifically to the stomach, while 'enteric' refers to the intestines (typically the small intestine).
It would sound very technical and odd. Use words like 'stomach', 'tummy', 'gut', or 'digestive' instead.
It means the pill has a special coating that prevents it from dissolving in the acidic environment of the stomach. It dissolves later in the more alkaline small intestine, which can protect the stomach or target drug release.
It comes from the Greek word 'enteron', meaning 'intestine'.
Relating to or occurring in the intestines.
Enteric is usually technical/scientific in register.
Enteric: in British English it is pronounced /ɛnˈtɛrɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɛnˈtɛrɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ENTERic = it ENTERs the intESTines. An 'enteric'-coated tablet must ENTER the intestines to work.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A SYSTEM OF TUBES/CHANNELS. 'Enteric' specifies a subsystem within this metaphorical network.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'enteric' most appropriately used?