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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While many types of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial to the digestive tract, some strains produce a toxin called colibactin, which is capable of mutating human DNA. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 1 May 2025 This allows the magnesium to be absorbed through your skin, skipping your digestive tract. Patricia Mikula, Health, 28 Apr. 2025 Most of the time, that familiar feeling of fullness is simply a reaction to food making its way through your digestive tract, not evidence of a food intolerance or other health condition. Caroline Tien, SELF, 28 Apr. 2025 Made with ingredients renowned in Ayurvedic medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues and 17 digestive enzymes, including alpha galactosidase which helps break down carbohydrates found in beans and cruciferous vegetables, a twice daily dose can feel like a reset button for your digestive tract. Brianna Peters, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for digestive tract

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of digestive tract was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Digestive tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestive%20tract. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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