How to Pronounce Intestinal Volvulus

Say it like this: in-TES-tih-nal VOL-vyoo-lus. The first word sounds like "in-TEST-uh-nal" with the stress on the second syllable (TES). The second word rhymes with "revolves" but ends in "-us": VOL-vyoo-lus, with the stress on the first syllable (VOL).

In intestinal, you stress the second syllable: in-TES-tih-nal. In volvulus, you stress the first syllable: VOL-vyoo-lus. A common mistake is stressing the wrong part—people sometimes say "in-tes-TIH-nal" or "vol-VYU-lus," but those are incorrect.

Intestinal breaks into 4 syllables: in-TES-tih-nal. Volvulus breaks into 3 syllables: VOL-vyoo-lus. Together, it's a 7-syllable term: in-TES-tih-nal VOL-vyoo-lus.

Intestinal comes from the Latin word for the tubes in your digestive system—the small and large intestines. Volvulus comes from the Latin word "volvere," which means "to twist" or "to turn." So together, the term describes something twisted in the intestines.

You can say "a twisted intestine" or "intestinal twisting." The medical term is more specific about exactly what part twisted and how, but the everyday way to think of it is that something in the intestines has gotten twisted up.

"Gastric volvulus" means a twist in the stomach (gastric = stomach), and "sigmoid volvulus" means a twist in a specific part of the large intestine (sigmoid = S-shaped part). All of these words use the Latin root "volv-" meaning to twist.

You might say: "The doctor explained that the patient had intestinal volvulus, which is why the intestines were twisted." Or: "Intestinal volvulus is a serious condition that requires immediate attention." The term is used when you need to be specific and medical about a twisted intestine.

Many people say "vol-VYOO-lus" (stressing the middle syllable) or "VOL-vuh-lus" (shortening the middle part). The correct way is VOL-vyoo-lus, with the stress on the first syllable and three clear syllables: VOL-vyoo-lus.