digestive

[dih-jes-tiv, dahy-]

adjective

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

   the digestive tract.

2. promoting digestion.

noun

1. a substance promoting digestion.

digestive

/ dɪˈdʒɛstɪv, daɪˈdʒɛstənt, daɪ- /

adjective

1. relating to, aiding, or subjecting to digestion

   a digestive enzyme

noun

1. a less common word for digestant

2. short for digestive biscuit

Other Word Forms

• digestively adverb
• nondigestive adjective
• postdigestive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of digestive¹

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

Example Sentences

NHS sources said this could include ophthalmology, gynaecology and digestive conditions.

From BBC

The idea is that the material would slip through the digestive system and then simply slide out.

From BBC

Period symptoms such as fatigue, cramps, hormonal fluctuations, and digestive issues can have an impact on strength, endurance, focus and recovery.

From BBC

In 2023 the most common causes of avoidable death in people with learning disabilities were influenza, pneumonia, cancers of the digestive tract and heart disease.

From BBC

The Glaswegian was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when just a baby, meaning she suffered breathing and digestive problems throughout her life.

From BBC