alimentary canal

American  

noun

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a tubular passage functioning in the digestion and absorption of food and the elimination of food residue, beginning at the mouth and terminating at the anus.

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alimentary canal British  

noun

1. the tubular passage extending from the mouth to the anus, through which food is passed and digested

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alimentary canal Scientific  

/ ăl′ə-mĕn′tə-rē /

1. The tube or passage of the digestive system through which food passes, nutrients are absorbed, and waste is eliminated.

2. See also digestive tract

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Etymology

Origin of alimentary canal

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

alimentary canal

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 ● Feb. 6, 2025

The first group is the organs that make up the alimentary canal.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Lamina propria—In addition to loose connective tissue, the lamina propria contains numerous blood and lymphatic vessels that transport nutrients absorbed through the alimentary canal to other parts of the body.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 23.3 Layers of the Alimentary Canal The wall of the alimentary canal has four basic tissue layers: the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

It is certainly not deprived of its noxious qualities by stomach digestion, and therefore, sometimes at least, may reach the blood through the alimentary canal.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various