digestive system

noun

1. the system by which ingested food is acted upon by physical and chemical means to provide the body with absorbable nutrients and to excrete waste products; in mammals the system includes the alimentary canal extending from the mouth to the anus, and the hormones and enzymes assisting in digestion.

digestive system

/ dī-jĕs′tĭv /

1. The alimentary canal together with the salivary glands, liver, pancreas, and other organs of digestion.

digestive system

1. The organs and glands in the body that are responsible for digestion . The digestive system begins with the mouth and extends through the esophagus , stomach , small intestine , and large intestine , ending with the rectum and anus . Other organs in this system include the liver , pancreas , gallbladder , and appendix .

Word History and Origins

Origin of digestive system¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Do you think it is their digestive systems?

From Salon

The mum-of-two said it was after she passed blood that she was sent for tests that found she had a "low-grade" neuroendocrine tumour in her digestive system.

From BBC

“However, this differs from our finding, where previously independent organisms fused in just a few hours, merging nervous and digestive systems functionally,” Jokura said.

From Salon

She also has Crohn's disease - a lifelong condition which causes parts of the digestive system to become inflamed - and has previously spoken about its toll on her health.

From BBC

Dowden also has Crohn's disease - a lifelong condition which causes parts of the digestive system to become inflamed - and has previously spoken about its toll on her health.

From BBC