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
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Magnesium citrate helps pull water into the digestive tract, making bowel movements easier.47 Magnesium citrate also plays a key role in bone health. Alex Yampolsky, Health, 17 Feb. 2025 This affects the muscles in the digestive tract and slows down digestion and gastric motility. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025 The disease can affect different body parts like the heart, liver, kidneys, and digestive tract. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025 Some seeds have a thick exterior coat to shield that tiny plant inside from dryness, injury, fire, an animal's digestive tract, or disease. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for digestive tract

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of digestive tract was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Digestive tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestive%20tract. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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