digestive tract

noun

Definition of digestive tract

: 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 Cherry or olive pits are small enough for dogs to pass, Wismer said, but larger pits, such as those from peaches or plums, could get stuck in a dog’s digestive tract. — Washington Post, 4 May 2022 Several states including New Jersey and Massachusetts have recommended additional measures for hunters butchering animals in the field, such as avoiding the head, lungs and digestive tract, in addition to general hygiene practices. — New York Times, 7 Feb. 2022 Several states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts, have recommended additional measures for hunters butchering animals in the field, such as avoiding the head, lungs and digestive tract, in addition to general hygiene practices. — Emily Anthes, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2022 The digestive tract is the main site outside the respiratory system for SARS-CoV-2 persistence and periodic viral shedding, researchers in China showed in 2020. — Jason Gale, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2022 Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are autoimmune conditions that cause chronic inflammation in various parts of the digestive tract, which can cause bleeding ulcers or sores to form on the inner lining of your intestines. — Korin Miller, SELF, 22 Feb. 2022 Fiber is important for maintaining a healthy lower digestive tract, preventing constipation, lowering your LDL (bad) cholesterol and regulating blood sugar. — Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 2 Apr. 2022 Blood is also high in iron, which can disrupt the digestive tract and liver. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2022 Corticosteroids are often first prescribed to bring down inflammation in your digestive tract. — Kathryn Watson, SELF, 24 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'digestive tract.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About digestive tract

Dictionary Entries Near digestive tract

digestive system

digestive tract

digest medium

Statistics for digestive tract

Last Updated

13 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Digestive tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestive%20tract. Accessed 27 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for digestive tract

digestive tract

noun

Kids Definition of digestive tract

: the tube-shaped passage including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and intestines that is concerned with taking in, breaking down, and absorbing food and discharging solid waste

digestive tract

noun

Medical Definition of digestive tract

: 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