— ileal , adj.
/il"ee euhm/ , n. , pl. ilea /il"ee euh/ .
1. Anat. the third and lowest division of the small intestine, extending from the jejunum to the cecum. See diag. under intestine .
2. Zool. the anterior portion of the hindgut of an insect or other arthropod.
[ 1675-85; ileum, var. of L ilia (neut. pl.) side of the body between hips and groin, guts, appar. by confusion with L ileus ILEUS ]