Langimage
English

bowel

|bow/el|

B2

/ˈbaʊəl/

intestines or depths

Etymology
Etymology Information

'bowel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'boel', where 'boel' meant 'intestine'.

Historical Evolution

'boel' changed from the Old French word 'boel' and eventually became the modern English word 'bowel'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'intestine', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the intestine, especially the lower part of the alimentary canal.

The patient was suffering from a bowel obstruction.

Synonyms

Noun 2

the deepest or innermost part of something.

The miners descended into the bowels of the earth.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/15 23:22