foregut

noun

fore·​gut ˈfȯr-ˌgət 

: the anterior part of the digestive tract of a vertebrate embryo that develops into the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and extreme anterior part of the intestine

Examples of foregut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This implies that the pathways of methanogenesis forming part of the microbial digestion of fiber in the foregut are similar between the groups, and that the lower methane emission of camelids can be explained by their generally lower relative food intake. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2016

Scientists also identified its mouth and a foregut with plates and circular teeth. —Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2015

Scanning electron micrograph depicting a mass of Yersinia pestis bacteria (the cause of bubonic plague) in the foregut of the flea vector. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 15 June 2022

As Taylor explains to Osborne, O. quadrata’s three main stomach teeth rub against each other to grind up food in the animal’s foregut. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, 12 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

foregut

noun

fore·​gut -ˌgət 

1

: the anterior part of the digestive tract of a vertebrate embryo that develops into the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and extreme anterior part of the intestine

2

: the anterior part of the definitive digestive tract of an invertebrate animal