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

In addition, the lacerations that larger plastics can cause to the intestinal tracts of digestive tracts of whales cause inflammation and infections, Robbins said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2023

Peptic ulcers occur when acid in the digestive tract eats away at the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2023

After consumed, these non-digestible starches go to the lower digestive tract, feeding healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome.2 Several brands have developed prebiotic sodas, but the leading market players are Poppi and Olipop. —Amber Sayer, Health, 29 Aug. 2023

When food enters the small intestine during digestion, the gallbladder contracts to release bile into the digestive tract. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023

Fish died after their gills became clogged with ash, or after their digestive tracts were impacted with fragments of glassy hyaloclastite. —Chris Baraniuk, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2023

It’s also recommended to take a daily dose of aspirin, not only for heart health but also to possibly protect against colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and brain. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 17 Aug. 2023

These components promote a healthy gut microbiome by supporting beneficial bacteria in your dog's digestive tract. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Aug. 2023

As with transhumanism, some may find this extremely exciting, the emergent opportunity to create the world’s biggest digestive tract, and hence the world’s biggest (and most profitable) collective intelligence. —Kelly Pendergrast, WIRED, 14 July 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

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