What does duodena mean?
Duodena is the plural form of duodenum, the section of the small intestine that begins immediately below the stomach and receives chyme from it. In medical and anatomical writing, “duodena” refers collectively to two or more such organs, typically when discussing abnormalities that affect both sides. The singular duodenum remains the ordinary word for one; duodena does not name a different part of the digestive tract. The unusual-looking plural follows a traditional anatomical pattern and can sound technical even to otherwise fluent English speakers. Duodenum derives from Latin, where the related term duodeni means “twelve each,” referring to the intestine’s traditionally estimated length of about twelve finger-breadths. Knowing the word clarifies both pronunciation and number: “duodenum” names one, while “duodena” names more than one.
nounThe plural of duodenum, referring collectively to more than one duodenum, the section of the small intestine immediately following the stomach.
- The plural of duodenum: the section of the small intestine extending from the stomach to the jejunum.
"The scan showed inflammation in both duodena."
"The physician examined both duodena for signs of ulceration."
"In rare congenital abnormalities, both duodena may be affected."
The standard plural of duodenum, used chiefly in anatomical and clinical writing.
"The radiologist compared the two duodena before surgery."
The name duodenum echoes a dozen: the organ was traditionally measured at roughly twelve finger-breadths.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does duodena come from?
Duodena is the plural of duodenum, which was borrowed from Latin duodēnum. The Latin term derives from duodēnī, meaning “twelve each,” reflecting the intestine’s traditional measurement in approximately twelve finger-breadths. English relatives from the same Latin numerical root include dozen and duodecimal.
Related word forms
How duodena is actually used
Duodena is an inflected plural rather than an independent noun in ordinary use. It is chiefly encountered in anatomical and clinical writing; when discussing a single organ, use duodenum.
Easily confused with duodena
Duodenum is the singular name for the first part of the small intestine, whereas duodena is its plural form.