Langimage
English

bowels

|bow/els|

B2

/ˈbaʊəlz/

(bowel)

intestines or depths

Base FormPlural
bowelbowels
Etymology
Etymology Information

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

Historical Evolution

'boel' transformed into the Middle English word 'bowel', 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 intestines or entrails, especially when removed or exposed.

The surgeon carefully examined the patient's bowels.

Synonyms

Noun 2

the deepest or innermost parts of something.

The miners descended into the bowels of the earth.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41