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

Ginger stimulates the digestive tract, promoting healthy digestion and facilitating the removal of food and gas from the body. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Any additional water helps move food through your digestive tract, breaking down nutrients and regulating bowel movements. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 Mar. 2026

These medications can delay gastric emptying and slow down your digestive tract, which means getting enough fiber is key to keeping things moving and staying comfortable. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026

The digestive tract holds valuable clues about your overall health. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 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