alimentary canal

noun

variants or less commonly alimentary tract

plural alimentary canals also alimentary tracts

: 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 : digestive tract

Examples of alimentary canal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other entry points include the alimentary canal, through activities like eating or drinking, where enteroviruses may find access. — Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024

The gastrointestinal tract, commonly referred to as the gut, consists of a series of hollow organs that allow food to travel from the mouth to the alimentary canal. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2023

These then get snared in their alimentary canals, cannot be broken down by the animals’ digestive enzymes and may ultimately kill them. — The Economist, 12 Mar. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alimentary canal

• artisanal
• bal
• dal
• gal
• mal
• pal
• sal
• shall
• chaparral
• ileal
• nonformal
• perceval

Kids Definition

alimentary canal

noun

: a long tube made up of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine into which food is taken and digested and from which wastes are passed out

Medical Definition

alimentary canal

noun

variants or alimentary tract

: digestive tract