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

The more types of bacteria in their digestive systems, the better. —Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 12 Aug. 2024

Oils and tinctures are the fastest acting because they are ingested sublingually and don’t have to be processed by the digestive system. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2024

Poop that appears unusually fluffy may signal that something is off in your digestive system. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 7 Aug. 2024

In addition, bananas have nutrients that help prevent heart disease and improve the digestive system. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 15 June 2024

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