Meaning of the word colon in English

What does colon mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

colon

US /ˈkoʊ.lən/
UK /ˈkəʊ.lɒn/
"colon" picture

Noun

1.

a punctuation mark (:) used to precede a list of items, a quotation, or an expansion or explanation.

Example:
•
The recipe requires the following ingredients: flour, sugar, and eggs.
•
He quoted a famous line from the play: "To be or not to be."
2.

the main part of the large intestine, extending from the cecum to the rectum.

Example:
•
The doctor examined the patient's colon for any abnormalities.
•
A healthy diet is important for maintaining a healthy colon.