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 allows the caffeine and tannins enough time to clear your upper digestive tract, reducing their impact on nutrient absorption. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 23 Mar. 2026

For them, symptoms like abdominal pain, sudden bowel urgency and relentless fatigue often stem from chronic inflammation in the digestive tract — not simply from what’s on their plate. —Tracy Yochum, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2026

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

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