alimentary canal

noun

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a tubular passage functioning in the digestion and absorption of food and the elimination of food residue, beginning at the mouth and terminating at the anus.

alimentary canal

noun

1. the tubular passage extending from the mouth to the anus, through which food is passed and digested

alimentary canal

/ ăl′ə-mĕn′tə-rē /

1. The tube or passage of the digestive system through which food passes, nutrients are absorbed, and waste is eliminated.
2. See also digestive tract

Word History and Origins

Origin of alimentary canal¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

The gut bugs capture food as it moves through our alimentary canal, taking in nutrients and secreting their own metabolites—basically, microbial poop.

From Singularity Hub