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

Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber that dissolves in water in your digestive tract, forming a gel-like substance. —Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Water works with fiber as the nutrient is absorbed in the digestive tract, helping to soften your stools. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 29 Oct. 2024

Larger meals are harder on the digestive tract due to their sheer volume, so reducing your portion size could also help ease acid reflux symptoms, according to Dr. Ganjhu. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 28 Oct. 2024

The force of hitting the water’s surface could help these animals clear their digestive tracts more effectively. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 27 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