digestive tract

noun

: the tubular passage typically extending from the mouth to the anus or cloaca that functions in digestion and absorption of food and elimination of residual waste and that in most mammals includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine, and anus

called also alimentary canal, alimentary tract

Examples of digestive tract in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wildlife in the ocean, from sea turtles to whales, often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion that can block digestive tracts or cause starvation. —David Carlin, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

In other words, when taken orally by itself, not much of it is absorbed in the digestive tract. —Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024

The nerves and muscles in the digestive tract may not work properly, which could lead to GERD and/or constipation. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2024

The age-old philosophy, eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper was adhered to, meaning dinner was the lightest meal, as the digestive tract slows down towards the end of the day. —Yasemen Kaner-White, theweek, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

digestive tract

noun

: the tubular passage typically extending from mouth to anus or cloaca that functions in digestion and absorption of food and elimination of residual waste and that in most mammals includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine, and anus

called also alimentary canal, alimentary tract