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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How the Gut and Heart Are Connected The bacteria and other microbes that naturally live in the digestive tract are called the gut microbiome. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2026 Related Stories After his death, his wife Vicki and son Isidore organize an exhibit of his artworks, complete with explorable digestive tracts, fantastical appendages, and detachable eyeballs. — Ed Meza, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026 These advanced therapeutics are chemically delicate and easily destroyed by the digestive tract. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 Soluble fiber fuels beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for digestive tract

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of digestive tract was in 1842

Rhymes for digestive tract

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Browse Nearby Words

digestive system
digestive tract
digest medium
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Cite this Entry

“Digestive tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestive%20tract. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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