alimentary

[al-uh-men-tuh-ree]

adjective

1. concerned with the function of nutrition; nutritive.

2. pertaining to food.

3. providing sustenance or maintenance.

alimentary

/ -trɪ, ˌælɪˈmɛntərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to nutrition

2. providing sustenance or nourishment

3. Scots law free from the claims of creditors

   an alimentary trust

Other Word Forms

• unalimentary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of alimentary¹

From the Latin word alimentārius, dating back to 1605–15. See aliment, -ary

Example Sentences

Let’s not overlook how long it takes for a federal lawsuit to make its way through the judicial alimentary canal.

From Los Angeles Times

One such group, which can’t agree on a name, has been granted a residence at an “institute devoted to culinary and alimentary performance” in a converted rural manor house.

From New York Times

She has a nose for the alimentary, and an eye for body language.

From New York Times

Nevertheless, opportunities abound to study whether dietary RNA is delivered to the cells of the alimentary tract and the microbes that live there.

From Nature

The webbed contraption looks something like an unraveled alimentary canal — esophagus, stomach and intestines.

From Los Angeles Times