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

This is because very cold water causes a vasoconstriction of the digestive tract, which reduces blood flow and can slow absorption. —Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026

This is because, during fermentation, helpful microbes can develop, and when consumed, these bacteria may help support the complex ecosystem of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, known as the gut microbiome. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 May 2026

The soluble fiber in oats, particularly the polysaccharide beta-glucan, forms a viscous gel in the digestive tract. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 22 May 2026

All together, these tonsils form Waldeyer’s ring, which serves as a gatekeeper to all things entering the airways and digestive tract, grabbing pathogens and warding off diseases. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026

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