/ ˌdjuːəˈdiːnəm; NAmE ˌduːə-/ noun
( pl. duo·de·nums or duo·dena / -ˈdiːnə; NAmE /) ( anatomy ) the first part of the small intestine , next to the stomach
—picture at organ
—compare ileum , jejunum
► duo·denal / ˌdjuːəˈdiːnl; NAmE ˌduːə-/ adjective :
a duodenal ulcer
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from medieval Latin , from duodeni in twelves, its length being equivalent to the breadth of approximately twelve fingers.