Definition of "mesentery" [mes•en•ter•y]

• Any of several folds of the peritoneum that connect the intestines to the dorsal abdominal wall, especially such a fold that envelops the jejunum and ileum. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The so-called mesentery is also a membrane; and extends continuously from the long stretch of intestine to the great vessel and the aorta."
• "The mesentery is a delicate, narrow membrane about twenty feet long."
• "The mesentery is a membrane beginning loosely on the loins, and thence extending to all the intestines; which it preserves from twisting by their peristaltic motion."