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

Arsenic exposure has also been linked to cancers of the lung, digestive tract, liver, kidney, and lymphatic and hematopoietic systems. —Korin Miller, Health, 10 May 2024

The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office said the teen was starved and chained to a cot with no food in his digestive tract, according to WXIX. —Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 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