digestive

American  

[dih-jes-tiv, dahy-] / dɪˈdʒɛs tɪv, daɪ- /

adjective

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

   the digestive tract.

2. promoting digestion.

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noun

1. a substance promoting digestion.

digestive British  

/ dɪˈdʒɛstɪv, daɪˈdʒɛstənt, daɪ- /

adjective

1. relating to, aiding, or subjecting to digestion

   a digestive enzyme

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noun

1. a less common word for digestant

2. short for digestive biscuit

Other Word Forms

• digestively adverb
• nondigestive adjective
• postdigestive adjective

Etymology

Origin of digestive

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

Example Sentences

CF is a genetic condition that can particularly affect someone's digestive system, as well as their lungs, because their body produces a thick, sticky mucus that coats the organs.

From BBC

A new study published in Gastroenterology suggests that stress during early life may increase the risk of digestive problems later on.

From Science Daily

Side-effects can include nausea, vomiting and digestive problems; rarer complications include gallstones or pancreatitis.

From BBC

The resulting Antscan models reveal internal details such as muscles, nervous systems, digestive organs, and stingers with micrometer level resolution.

From Science Daily

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and slows digestion, while insoluble fiber helps move waste through the digestive tract.

From Science Daily