digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

Examples of digestive system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Passing gas is how the body gets rid of gas and air trapped in the digestive system. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025

Some forms are more bioavailable, meaning they are more easily absorbed by the body, while others may pass through the digestive system with less absorption, reducing effectiveness. —Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 6 Feb. 2025

While cream is not toxic to cats, many adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning their digestive systems cannot properly process the lactose in dairy products. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

The combo comb jellies shared their nervous and digestive systems – but kept their own buttholes. —New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the intake, breakdown, and absorption of food and the discharge of wastes and that includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine, anus, and glands (as the salivary glands)

Medical Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

called also alimentary system