/mid"gut'/ , n.
1. Zool.
a. the middle portion of the vertebrate alimentary canal, posterior to the stomach or gizzard and extending to the cecum, functioning in the digestion and absorption of food; the small intestine.
b. the anterior portion of the arthropod colon, composed of endodermal tissue.
2. Embryol. the middle part of the embryonic alimentary canal from which the intestines develop. Cf. foregut, hindgut .
[ 1870-75; MID- + GUT ]