digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

Examples of digestive system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most listeriosis infections are limited to the digestive system, with symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Digestive Health Apples may help balance your gut microbiome (the microorganisms living in the digestive system), which is essential to digestive and overall health. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Malnutrition can affect every organ system, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system, potentially leading to severe dysfunction in these areas.18 Edited by Sukhman Rekhi Was this page helpful? —Sarah Jividen, Health, 26 Oct. 2024

Listeria is common in the environment and can originate from a variety of sources, including soil, water and animal digestive systems (which also means it can be found in animal feces). —Mustafa Fattah, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the intake, breakdown, and absorption of food and the discharge of wastes and that includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine, anus, and glands (as the salivary glands)

Medical Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

called also alimentary system