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

Stomach issues: Stress can increase inflammation in the digestive tract, cause an upset stomach, and increase the risk of vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers, and other digestive concerns. —Ashley Olivine, Ph.d., Mph, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025

Fiber keeps bowel movements regular and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 27 Feb. 2025

Bacteria in the digestive tract can also cause IBS, as can medications such as antibiotics and painkillers. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

Many of these plant species have adapted for their seeds to move through an animal’s digestive tract. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for digestive tract

• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract
• detract
• distract
• enact
• exact
• extract
• hijacked
• impact

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