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

Anxiety and psychological stress trigger the release of fight-or-flight hormones like adrenaline, which further diverts blood away from the digestive system and may also increase the leakiness of the gut lining.

From Outside Online

Plus, cicadas’ shells aren’t digestible, which means their sharp, rough edges pass through the digestive system intact and, worst case, could cause a bowel obstruction.

From Washington Post

That we’re talking about digestive systems in the first five minutes of conversation is a little unusual, but Harrison makes it feel somewhat ordinary.

From Time

There were also 24 reported cases of clots in veins that drain blood from the digestive system, called splanchnic vein thrombosis or SVT.

From Science News

While the timing here is very individual, a hyperactive digestive system can get in the way of falling asleep, so aim for at least two hours between your last meal and bedtime.

From Outside Online

“Biofuel” can be made out of anything that will ferment or rot, including digestive system waste products.

From The Daily Beast

For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an immune response in the digestive system.

From The Daily Beast

Quora Q: Does drinking water during meals help or hinder the digestive system?

From The Daily Beast

Like napalm or the wrath of God, but for your digestive system.

From The Daily Beast

She found tea and coffee to have an exceedingly pernicious effect upon her nervous and digestive system.

From Project Gutenberg

Raw beef and mutton juice is recommended by medical men in many conditions of the digestive system.

From Project Gutenberg

After generations of abuse the human digestive system has to be humoured if the ideal is to be approached.

From Project Gutenberg

To take food into the stomach between meals is to demoralize the digestive system.

From Project Gutenberg

He was in a very nervous condition, owing to the state of his digestive system, and he was easily irritated.

From Project Gutenberg