digestive

American  

[dih-jes-tiv, dahy-] / dɪˈdʒɛs tɪv, daɪ- /

adjective

1. serving for or pertaining to digestion; having the function of digesting food.

   the digestive tract.

2. promoting digestion.

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noun

1. a substance promoting digestion.

digestive British  

/ dɪˈdʒɛstɪv, daɪˈdʒɛstənt, daɪ- /

adjective

1. relating to, aiding, or subjecting to digestion

   a digestive enzyme

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noun

1. a less common word for digestant

2. short for digestive biscuit

Other Word Forms

• digestively adverb
• nondigestive adjective
• postdigestive adjective

Etymology

Origin of digestive

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French digestif < Latin dīgestīvus, equivalent to dīgest ( us ) ( digest ) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

It is a vessel which connects the brain to various organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.

From BBC

This discovery may also help explain a range of digestive issues, including food intolerances and irritable bowel syndrome.

From Science Daily

Certain microbes living in the digestive system can send proteins straight into human cells, actively influencing how the immune system behaves.

From Science Daily

Enzymes in the digestive system break down insulin before it can work, and the intestine lacks a natural way to absorb it into the bloodstream.

From Science Daily

CF is a genetic condition that can particularly affect someone's digestive system, as well as their lungs, because their body produces a thick, sticky mucus that coats the organs.

From BBC