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

Bacteria in your digestive tract break down or ferment prebiotics, which release compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).1112 These compounds provide energy for cells that line your intestinal tract, reduce inflammation, and regulate intestinal pH, which are essential to gut health. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Mar. 2025

Boost Your Gut Health Gut health refers to the health and function of the digestive tract, which is lined with bacteria that help regulate hormone levels and insulin sensitivity. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025

Some people may experience acid reflux or heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing up from the digestive tract, according to Young. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 14 Mar. 2025

These dietary differences are reflected in the digestive tracts of great apes and humans. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for digestive tract

• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract
• detract
• distract
• enact
• exact
• extract
• hijacked
• impact

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