Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MES'EN-TER-Y, n. [Gr. μεσεντεριον; μεσος, middle, and εντερον, intestine.]

A membrane in the cavity of the abdomen, attached to the lumbar vertebers posteriorly, and to the intestines anteriorly. It is formed of a duplicature of the peritoneum, and contains adipose matter, lacteals, mesenteric glands, lymphatics, and mesenteric arteries, veins and nerves. Its use is to retain the intestines, and their appendages in a proper position. Hooper.